Psychiatrists in 40223

Photo of Sherhonda Stewart, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sherhonda Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
As a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 19 years of nursing experience, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. My approach is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to patient well-being, focusing on treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions. I strive to create a supportive and therapeutic environment where patients feel empowered to achieve stability and enhance their quality of life.
As a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 19 years of nursing experience, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. My approach is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to patient well-being, focusing on treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions. I strive to create a supportive and therapeutic environment where patients feel empowered to achieve stability and enhance their quality of life.
(502) 218-4101 View (502) 218-4101
Photo of Kayla Lesher, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kayla Lesher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
Appointments available for in person and Telehealth! At Inclusion Mental Health, we have 5 practitioners available with full prescriptive authority. Please visit inclusionmentalhealth.com to get to know our providers!
Appointments available for in person and Telehealth! At Inclusion Mental Health, we have 5 practitioners available with full prescriptive authority. Please visit inclusionmentalhealth.com to get to know our providers!
(502) 317-8134 View (502) 317-8134
Photo of Kim Vilt, APRN, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kim Vilt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40223
Accepting New Patients. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner experienced working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. I welcome the opportunity to work with you and support you on your journey to better mental health. I am experienced in helping adult patients navigate depression, anxiety, Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD and Schizophrenic Disorders. I particularly enjoy providing care to individuals who are experiencing emotional and psychological challenges during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Accepting New Patients. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner experienced working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. I welcome the opportunity to work with you and support you on your journey to better mental health. I am experienced in helping adult patients navigate depression, anxiety, Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD and Schizophrenic Disorders. I particularly enjoy providing care to individuals who are experiencing emotional and psychological challenges during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
(502) 673-1612 View (502) 673-1612
Photo of Dr. Cody B. Pittman - Healing Neurons Psychiatry, LLC, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Healing Neurons Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
Serving ALL of Kentucky! Hello! Welcome to Healing Neurons Psychiatry, where we are healing the mind for a better tomorrow. We all know how difficult managing stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday life can be. However, you don't have to do it alone!
Serving ALL of Kentucky! Hello! Welcome to Healing Neurons Psychiatry, where we are healing the mind for a better tomorrow. We all know how difficult managing stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday life can be. However, you don't have to do it alone!
(502) 890-9232 View (502) 890-9232
Photo of Maryl Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Maryl Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner at our Aptiva Health Mental Wellness Trauma Center, I am committed to providing expert mental health support via medications to help you navigate your healing and improve your quality of life. With an extensive background in psychiatry and mental health and a deep passion for helping others, I offer medical care tailored to each individual's unique needs, promoting healing and growth in a compassionate and understanding environment.
As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner at our Aptiva Health Mental Wellness Trauma Center, I am committed to providing expert mental health support via medications to help you navigate your healing and improve your quality of life. With an extensive background in psychiatry and mental health and a deep passion for helping others, I offer medical care tailored to each individual's unique needs, promoting healing and growth in a compassionate and understanding environment.
(502) 837-9016 View (502) 837-9016
Photo of Elizabeth Crowe, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Crowe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
I'm all about creating a space where you feel heard and supported, free from judgment. I've been in the healthcare field for over 17 years. My focus is on building a real connection with my patients – a therapeutic relationship that goes beyond just diagnoses and treatments. Compassionate care is at the core of what I do. So, if you're looking for someone who's been around, understands the challenges, and genuinely cares, I'm here for you. Let's work together! Schedule online at Inclusionmentalhealth.com.
I'm all about creating a space where you feel heard and supported, free from judgment. I've been in the healthcare field for over 17 years. My focus is on building a real connection with my patients – a therapeutic relationship that goes beyond just diagnoses and treatments. Compassionate care is at the core of what I do. So, if you're looking for someone who's been around, understands the challenges, and genuinely cares, I'm here for you. Let's work together! Schedule online at Inclusionmentalhealth.com.
(502) 673-1320 View (502) 673-1320
Photo of Kristin Law, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kristin Law
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40223
Kristin is a compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who believes in treating all people equally, reducing the stigma of mental health, and going above and beyond for her patients. She has been in the nursing field since 2013, though she has been passionate about mental health for as long as she can remember. She has experience with patients from a variety of backgrounds, ages, settings, and diagnoses.
Kristin is a compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who believes in treating all people equally, reducing the stigma of mental health, and going above and beyond for her patients. She has been in the nursing field since 2013, though she has been passionate about mental health for as long as she can remember. She has experience with patients from a variety of backgrounds, ages, settings, and diagnoses.
(502) 236-5536 View (502) 236-5536
Photo of Laura Quesenberry, APRN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Laura Quesenberry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
Laura is board-certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience in the field of neurology as well as assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health issues using evidence-based methods. She is passionate about fostering a welcoming and accepting environment. She believes in collaborating closely with each patient and understanding their unique situation in order to help each person attain their optimal level of health.
Laura is board-certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience in the field of neurology as well as assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health issues using evidence-based methods. She is passionate about fostering a welcoming and accepting environment. She believes in collaborating closely with each patient and understanding their unique situation in order to help each person attain their optimal level of health.
(502) 427-0586 View (502) 427-0586
Photo of Victoria Spreitler, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Victoria Spreitler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
Feeling overwhelmed with life’s demands? Juggling too much and don’t know where to turn for help? Life can be tough, especially if you’ve sought out help but didn’t feel like you were truly being heard. Vicki Spreitler is not just any Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner; she’s one who cares. Born and raised in Kentucky with over 15 years of diverse experience, including pediatrics, emergency medicine, primary and acute care, and mental health, Vicki has a wealth of knowledge to help you face your biggest fears. Vicki knows firsthand the challenges of balancing a hectic life—she’s been there as a single mom raising two boys.
Feeling overwhelmed with life’s demands? Juggling too much and don’t know where to turn for help? Life can be tough, especially if you’ve sought out help but didn’t feel like you were truly being heard. Vicki Spreitler is not just any Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner; she’s one who cares. Born and raised in Kentucky with over 15 years of diverse experience, including pediatrics, emergency medicine, primary and acute care, and mental health, Vicki has a wealth of knowledge to help you face your biggest fears. Vicki knows firsthand the challenges of balancing a hectic life—she’s been there as a single mom raising two boys.
(502) 427-7548 View (502) 427-7548
Photo of Promise Haynes - Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40223  (Online Only)
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
(332) 378-5979 View (332) 378-5979
Photo of Dane Mendelsohn - LifeStance Health, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
LifeStance Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN (C
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
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.
(866) 930-3326 View (866) 930-3326
Photo of Kay Jones, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kay Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
Teresa Kay Jones has 5 years of experience with Psychiatric medicine and is Board Certified. Holistic care is a consistent goal with balancing physical and mental health for everyone. Previous experience and certification with Family medical care with management of multiple conditions supports holistic care. Kay is an avid supporter of Holistic Self care and Holistic care education. Areas of expertise include patients with multiple medical illnesses in addition to mental health concerns. Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Intellectually challenged.
Teresa Kay Jones has 5 years of experience with Psychiatric medicine and is Board Certified. Holistic care is a consistent goal with balancing physical and mental health for everyone. Previous experience and certification with Family medical care with management of multiple conditions supports holistic care. Kay is an avid supporter of Holistic Self care and Holistic care education. Areas of expertise include patients with multiple medical illnesses in addition to mental health concerns. Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Intellectually challenged.
(502) 237-1411 View (502) 237-1411
Photo of Dane Mendelsohn, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dane Mendelsohn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise in Crisis Stabilization, Addiction Medicine, Women’s Health, and General Psychiatry. With six years of experience in psychiatry, I am equipped to treat patients of all ages. I offer various psychotherapy services such as lifestyle modification, manifestation, and mindfulness, and view medications as a tool not as a solution. Currently, I serve as a Medical Officer in the United States Air Force and have extensive knowledge in writing Veteran Affairs disability claim evaluations. I received my BSN from UofL and my MSN from WKU.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise in Crisis Stabilization, Addiction Medicine, Women’s Health, and General Psychiatry. With six years of experience in psychiatry, I am equipped to treat patients of all ages. I offer various psychotherapy services such as lifestyle modification, manifestation, and mindfulness, and view medications as a tool not as a solution. Currently, I serve as a Medical Officer in the United States Air Force and have extensive knowledge in writing Veteran Affairs disability claim evaluations. I received my BSN from UofL and my MSN from WKU.
(502) 503-5549 View (502) 503-5549
Photo of Melissa Bishop, MSN,  PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melissa Bishop
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
Melissa Bishop is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience. She received her master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University. She also received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a bachelor's degree in Nursing from Radford University. She is experienced in providing medication management in both child and adolescent populations and adult populations in an outpatient setting.
Melissa Bishop is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience. She received her master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University. She also received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a bachelor's degree in Nursing from Radford University. She is experienced in providing medication management in both child and adolescent populations and adult populations in an outpatient setting.
(502) 806-8468 View (502) 806-8468
Photo of Alphonso Nichols, MD, Psychiatrist
Alphonso Nichols
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Anchorage, KY 40223
Are you trying to find help for your son or daughter? Is your child struggling? Concerned your child seems overly anxious or worried? Irritable? Depressed? Angry all the time? Is your child having trouble paying attention in class, seem 'hyperactive', or falling behind in school? Are you frustrated with your child or adolescent's problematic behavior that keeps happening over and over again? Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Autism... or are you wondering if your son or daughter might be struggling with a psychiatric or emotional issue?
Are you trying to find help for your son or daughter? Is your child struggling? Concerned your child seems overly anxious or worried? Irritable? Depressed? Angry all the time? Is your child having trouble paying attention in class, seem 'hyperactive', or falling behind in school? Are you frustrated with your child or adolescent's problematic behavior that keeps happening over and over again? Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Autism... or are you wondering if your son or daughter might be struggling with a psychiatric or emotional issue?
(502) 339-2442 View (502) 339-2442
Photo of Ora Frankel - The Couch Immediate Mental Health Care, MD, Psychiatrist
The Couch Immediate Mental Health Care
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223
The Couch is Louisville's first and only immediate mental healthcare center,founded to help patients who are experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety panic attacks, phobias, OCD, psychosis, ADHD, etc. Our mission is to provide patients with immediate support during a crisis, and to perform a complete psychiatric evaluation. We believe patients should be helped immediately when a mental health crisis arises. In these situations, patients who seek help are often facing two inadequate choices: waiting weeks to be seen by a psychiatrist, or going to the emergency room. We welcome walk-in patients.
The Couch is Louisville's first and only immediate mental healthcare center,founded to help patients who are experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety panic attacks, phobias, OCD, psychosis, ADHD, etc. Our mission is to provide patients with immediate support during a crisis, and to perform a complete psychiatric evaluation. We believe patients should be helped immediately when a mental health crisis arises. In these situations, patients who seek help are often facing two inadequate choices: waiting weeks to be seen by a psychiatrist, or going to the emergency room. We welcome walk-in patients.
(502) 514-0497 View (502) 514-0497
Photo of Kurt Kristiansen, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kurt Kristiansen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40223  (Online Only)
Schedule now through www.leafytreepsychiatry.com. Dr. Kristiansen has seen a wide variety of patients as both a critical care nurse and psychiatric nurse practitioner, and that experience enables him to provide comprehensive care and treatment to patients. He understands that mental health struggles can be just as serious as a physical injury, and he desires to help each and every one of his patients overcome their difficulties. He is a compassionate, understanding, and sensitive listener who is dedicated to finding solutions which will help patients live healthy, happy lives.
Schedule now through www.leafytreepsychiatry.com. Dr. Kristiansen has seen a wide variety of patients as both a critical care nurse and psychiatric nurse practitioner, and that experience enables him to provide comprehensive care and treatment to patients. He understands that mental health struggles can be just as serious as a physical injury, and he desires to help each and every one of his patients overcome their difficulties. He is a compassionate, understanding, and sensitive listener who is dedicated to finding solutions which will help patients live healthy, happy lives.
(502) 281-0323 View (502) 281-0323
Photo of Dawn Glowatz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dawn Glowatz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223  (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Dawn and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 13 years of experience treating and working with clients of all ages. I believe that the relationship between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the clients she serves is a partnership of trust and understanding.
Hi! I'm Dawn and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 13 years of experience treating and working with clients of all ages. I believe that the relationship between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the clients she serves is a partnership of trust and understanding.
(859) 374-3430 View (859) 374-3430
Photo of Markquetta Jackson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Markquetta Jackson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223  (Online Only)
Hello there, I'm Markquetta! Do you every feel overwhelmed, stressed and drained from daily life and the situations that may arise in it? Are you overthinking, worried, scattered brain, and have racing thoughts? Do you feel sad, moody, and want to isolate yourself from other people? I can help you achieve that sense of calm and mental wellbeing you are searching for.
Hello there, I'm Markquetta! Do you every feel overwhelmed, stressed and drained from daily life and the situations that may arise in it? Are you overthinking, worried, scattered brain, and have racing thoughts? Do you feel sad, moody, and want to isolate yourself from other people? I can help you achieve that sense of calm and mental wellbeing you are searching for.
(859) 651-7686 View (859) 651-7686
Photo of Shakaola Pinero, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shakaola Pinero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40223  (Online Only)
Shakaola is an Intuitive Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience in mental health and 11 years of experience as a Provider treating adults. She received her Masters from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Shakaola takes a holistic approach in caring for her clients.
Shakaola is an Intuitive Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience in mental health and 11 years of experience as a Provider treating adults. She received her Masters from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Shakaola takes a holistic approach in caring for her clients.
(859) 535-9123 View (859) 535-9123
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 40223

20+

Average cost per session

$150

Psychiatrists in 40223 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
86% Trauma and PTSD
81% Bipolar Disorder
76% ADHD
76% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
67% Medication Management

Average years in practice

6 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

89% Aetna
83% Cigna and Evernorth
83% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Psychiatrists in 40223 see their clients

72% In Person and Online
28% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
20% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 40223?

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.