Psychiatrists in 40383

Photo of Catherine Permin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MHNP , APRN, APRN BC
Catherine Permin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MHNP , APRN, APRN BC
Online Only
Dr. Catherine Permin, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, APRN is a nurse practitioner who provides healthcare in the primary care and mental health settings to diverse patients across the lifespan. Dr. Permin was born in a Danish family and spent her childhood in France. Subsequently, she traveled globally working in the horse industry before settling in the central Kentucky area. Dr. Permin is fluent in English, French, and Spanish and this allows her to provide culturally congruent care to patients whose native language may not be English.
Dr. Catherine Permin, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, APRN is a nurse practitioner who provides healthcare in the primary care and mental health settings to diverse patients across the lifespan. Dr. Permin was born in a Danish family and spent her childhood in France. Subsequently, she traveled globally working in the horse industry before settling in the central Kentucky area. Dr. Permin is fluent in English, French, and Spanish and this allows her to provide culturally congruent care to patients whose native language may not be English.
(859) 328-2415 View (859) 328-2415
Photo of Rebecca O'Hair, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Rebecca O'Hair
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Serves Area
becca is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing with Lifestance since 2021. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her MSN - APRN. Rebecca believes that listening to the patient is one of the most important parts of developing a good working relationship. Equally important is including the patient in the development of the plan of care and helping them understand all of the options available to them. Particular areas of interest include depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.
becca is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing with Lifestance since 2021. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her MSN - APRN. Rebecca believes that listening to the patient is one of the most important parts of developing a good working relationship. Equally important is including the patient in the development of the plan of care and helping them understand all of the options available to them. Particular areas of interest include depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.
(502) 369-0510 View (502) 369-0510
Photo of Dr. Ramesh Ghanta - LifeStance Health, Psychiatrist, MD
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
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.
(502) 385-3757 View (502) 385-3757
Photo of Jill Patterson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Jill Patterson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Online Only
I am a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing for 25 years. I have practiced inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. I am excited to be offering medication management telehealth. Psychiatry is my passion and I pride myself on my diagnosis and treatment skills, but also the commitment I have to provide my clients with devoted attention to their own specific treatment plan.
I am a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing for 25 years. I have practiced inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. I am excited to be offering medication management telehealth. Psychiatry is my passion and I pride myself on my diagnosis and treatment skills, but also the commitment I have to provide my clients with devoted attention to their own specific treatment plan.
(859) 765-7522 View (859) 765-7522
Photo of Shirley Beth Hicks, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Shirley Beth Hicks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Serves Area
Beth Hicks is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2020. Beth always shows clients empathy for what they've been through and shows personal interest in their care. She builds a good rapport that is healthy and caring. Outside of work, Beth loves yoga, cooking new recipes, traveling, and reading.
Beth Hicks is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2020. Beth always shows clients empathy for what they've been through and shows personal interest in their care. She builds a good rapport that is healthy and caring. Outside of work, Beth loves yoga, cooking new recipes, traveling, and reading.
(502) 317-0399 View (502) 317-0399
Photo of Dr. Cynthia Williams, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, CRNP, PMHNP-B
Dr. Cynthia Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, CRNP, PMHNP-B
Serves Area
Cynthia is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating ADHD, grief, and depression, with a particular emphasis on adolescent sexual health and behavior. She offers thoughtful, developmentally appropriate care to young people and families, helping them process emotions, improve communication, and build confidence in the face of life’s transitions. Her commitment to adolescent wellness is reflected in her advocacy and community education efforts, ensuring youth have access to both clinical support and trusted guidance.
Cynthia is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating ADHD, grief, and depression, with a particular emphasis on adolescent sexual health and behavior. She offers thoughtful, developmentally appropriate care to young people and families, helping them process emotions, improve communication, and build confidence in the face of life’s transitions. Her commitment to adolescent wellness is reflected in her advocacy and community education efforts, ensuring youth have access to both clinical support and trusted guidance.
(502) 427-1482 View (502) 427-1482
Photo of Ramesh Ghanta, Psychiatrist, MD
Ramesh Ghanta
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
Dr. Ramesh Ghanta is a dedicated psychiatrist providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout Kentucky. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health, he specializes in treating alcohol and drug use issues, bipolar disorder, and depression. His goal is to help individuals regain stability, improve their emotional well-being, and achieve long-term recovery through personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Dr. Ghanta has extensive experience supporting individuals who have recently been discharged from psychiatric hospitals.
Dr. Ramesh Ghanta is a dedicated psychiatrist providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout Kentucky. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health, he specializes in treating alcohol and drug use issues, bipolar disorder, and depression. His goal is to help individuals regain stability, improve their emotional well-being, and achieve long-term recovery through personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Dr. Ghanta has extensive experience supporting individuals who have recently been discharged from psychiatric hospitals.
(502) 427-7778 View (502) 427-7778
Photo of Holly Gray, Psychiatric Nurse, APRN (C
Holly Gray
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN (C
Serves Area
Holly Gray, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, where she teaches in the DNP program. Dr. Gray received both her BSN and DNP from the University of Kentucky. She practices in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her clinical interests include adolescent mood and anxiety disorders, severe mental illness, intellectual disability, and substance abuse disorders.
Holly Gray, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, where she teaches in the DNP program. Dr. Gray received both her BSN and DNP from the University of Kentucky. She practices in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her clinical interests include adolescent mood and anxiety disorders, severe mental illness, intellectual disability, and substance abuse disorders.
(502) 754-3938 View (502) 754-3938
Photo of Kristen Cox, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Kristen Cox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Serves Area
Kristen Cox is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. Kristen implements caring and compassion to her patients. She listens to their needs and uses clinical judgement to best help them. Kristen truly loves what she does, and helping people is a passion of hers. Outside of work, Kristen like to run; she has completed a few half marathons before. She loves spending time with her family and husband and their 12yearold pitbull.
Kristen Cox is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. Kristen implements caring and compassion to her patients. She listens to their needs and uses clinical judgement to best help them. Kristen truly loves what she does, and helping people is a passion of hers. Outside of work, Kristen like to run; she has completed a few half marathons before. She loves spending time with her family and husband and their 12yearold pitbull.
(502) 427-1544 View (502) 427-1544

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Autumn Shutt, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PMH-C
Autumn Shutt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PMH-C
Serves Area
Autumn Shutt is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and offers medication management for adults and adolescents ages 14 and older at Bloom Counseling + Wellness Studio. Her areas of interest include women's mental health, perinatal mood disorders, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has specialized training including Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International and is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider.
Autumn Shutt is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and offers medication management for adults and adolescents ages 14 and older at Bloom Counseling + Wellness Studio. Her areas of interest include women's mental health, perinatal mood disorders, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has specialized training including Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International and is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider.
(502) 236-5432 View (502) 236-5432
Photo of Alicia Carlos, Psychiatrist, DO
Alicia Carlos
Psychiatrist, DO
Lexington, KY 40513
Understanding the unique challenges that children and adolescents face, Dr. Carlos utilizes evidencebased approaches to medication management tailored to each individual’s needs. Her goal is to empower her patients and their caregivers, fostering resilience and wellbeing. In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Carlos is deeply passionate about working with populations such as those in adoption/foster care, individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and those with developmental disabilities. She believes in providing inclusive and personalized care to each person she serves. Outside of her practice, Dr.
Understanding the unique challenges that children and adolescents face, Dr. Carlos utilizes evidencebased approaches to medication management tailored to each individual’s needs. Her goal is to empower her patients and their caregivers, fostering resilience and wellbeing. In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Carlos is deeply passionate about working with populations such as those in adoption/foster care, individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and those with developmental disabilities. She believes in providing inclusive and personalized care to each person she serves. Outside of her practice, Dr.
(859) 493-8993 View (859) 493-8993
Photo of Leslie Powell, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Leslie Powell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Hello, I am Leslie Powell. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner offering medication management services to help provide the chemical platform that can help you treat symptoms while you develop coping skills and resiliency. As much as possible, I encourage coping skills and healthy boundaries for long-term well-being. I prescribe medications for temporary periods to help you while you are growing those skills. We all hurt or struggle sometimes, we are all human. It's important to know that there are people to help when we need it.
Hello, I am Leslie Powell. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner offering medication management services to help provide the chemical platform that can help you treat symptoms while you develop coping skills and resiliency. As much as possible, I encourage coping skills and healthy boundaries for long-term well-being. I prescribe medications for temporary periods to help you while you are growing those skills. We all hurt or struggle sometimes, we are all human. It's important to know that there are people to help when we need it.
(859) 765-7260 View (859) 765-7260
Photo of Dr. Alicia Carlos - LifeStance Health - Lexington, Psychiatrist, DO
LifeStance Health - Lexington
Psychiatrist, DO
Lexington, KY 40513
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.
(859) 376-4365 View (859) 376-4365
Photo of Cheryl Lynn Marrs, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Cheryl Lynn Marrs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40503
We are not born with the skills to handle life or our emotions. If we did not have people surrounding us as we grew who knew these skills and could teach us, then we did whatever we could to get through the emotion or situation we were faced with. This continued and evolved over time-maybe it changed into substance use, maybe into chronic dishonesty, or maybe we just tried to disappear into the background. Eventually these coping skills stopped working and we become desperate for the pain to stop. This is the perfect time a person can completely change their life and become who they were meant to be. THIS is the second chance!
We are not born with the skills to handle life or our emotions. If we did not have people surrounding us as we grew who knew these skills and could teach us, then we did whatever we could to get through the emotion or situation we were faced with. This continued and evolved over time-maybe it changed into substance use, maybe into chronic dishonesty, or maybe we just tried to disappear into the background. Eventually these coping skills stopped working and we become desperate for the pain to stop. This is the perfect time a person can completely change their life and become who they were meant to be. THIS is the second chance!
(859) 429-0718 View (859) 429-0718
Photo of Laura Pohl - Laura Pohl @ Women's Mental Health Specialists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP
Laura Pohl @ Women's Mental Health Specialists
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP
Online Only
I understand the immense weight that life places on women—balancing work, home, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m dedicated to supporting women on their wellness journey with a compassionate and holistic approach. With specialized expertise in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD, I provide expert care tailored to your unique needs. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, I’ve walked alongside women through every stage of life—from pregnancy and early motherhood to menopause. I know how challenging these transitions can be, and I’m here to help you navigate them with clarity and confidence.
I understand the immense weight that life places on women—balancing work, home, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m dedicated to supporting women on their wellness journey with a compassionate and holistic approach. With specialized expertise in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD, I provide expert care tailored to your unique needs. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, I’ve walked alongside women through every stage of life—from pregnancy and early motherhood to menopause. I know how challenging these transitions can be, and I’m here to help you navigate them with clarity and confidence.
(606) 708-7625 View (606) 708-7625
Photo of Tina Shelton-Coomer, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Tina Shelton-Coomer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Tina Coomer- PMHNP- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Positive and understanding approach without judgement. My specialty is Bipolar 1 and 2. I treat both college age to adults in all areas of mental health. My approach to care is client centered with a combination of medication and recommended therapy depending on situation.
Hi there, I'm Tina Coomer- PMHNP- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Positive and understanding approach without judgement. My specialty is Bipolar 1 and 2. I treat both college age to adults in all areas of mental health. My approach to care is client centered with a combination of medication and recommended therapy depending on situation.
(859) 648-3035 View (859) 648-3035
Photo of Amy Snowden, Psychiatric Nurse, APRN (C
Amy Snowden
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN (C
Lexington, KY 40511
Amy Snowden is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus in psychiatry. Amy's clinical career includes over 20 years of experience as a RN at inpatient hospitals, community mental health centers, and school-based settings. She enjoys working with children and adolescents and is certified to diagnose and treat all ages across the lifespan. Amy believes in providing compassionate, holistic and evidence-based care.
Amy Snowden is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus in psychiatry. Amy's clinical career includes over 20 years of experience as a RN at inpatient hospitals, community mental health centers, and school-based settings. She enjoys working with children and adolescents and is certified to diagnose and treat all ages across the lifespan. Amy believes in providing compassionate, holistic and evidence-based care.
(502) 383-5167 View (502) 383-5167
Photo of Sooksai Kaewbua - New Horizons Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
New Horizons Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Frankfort, KY 40601
New Horizons Psychiatry is a private, outpatient, mental-health practice that offers evidence-based and patient-centered mental-health care in a private, discrete, and convenient setting in downtown Frankfort. I will see psychiatric mental-health clients of all ages for evaluation and medication management. I have experience working with children and adults of all ages, including veterans and police officers. I have helped clients with depression, bipolar, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, PTSD, etc. My training has prepared me to understand the relationship between physical and mental health. Now accepting new clients!
New Horizons Psychiatry is a private, outpatient, mental-health practice that offers evidence-based and patient-centered mental-health care in a private, discrete, and convenient setting in downtown Frankfort. I will see psychiatric mental-health clients of all ages for evaluation and medication management. I have experience working with children and adults of all ages, including veterans and police officers. I have helped clients with depression, bipolar, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, PTSD, etc. My training has prepared me to understand the relationship between physical and mental health. Now accepting new clients!
(502) 289-5809 View (502) 289-5809
Stephen Love
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
I specialize in diagnostic clarification and creating a treatment plan that is appropriate for a given individual's unique situation, taking into consideration their specific biological and psychological predispositions in addition to existential factors and their overall life story. There are several different types of mental health conditions that are rooted in several different causes, and they are not all treated in the same way. My aim is always to achieve clarity in what it is that we're actually dealing with and then to manage it accordingly, all while keeping one's individual personhood front and center.
I specialize in diagnostic clarification and creating a treatment plan that is appropriate for a given individual's unique situation, taking into consideration their specific biological and psychological predispositions in addition to existential factors and their overall life story. There are several different types of mental health conditions that are rooted in several different causes, and they are not all treated in the same way. My aim is always to achieve clarity in what it is that we're actually dealing with and then to manage it accordingly, all while keeping one's individual personhood front and center.
(859) 648-2456 View (859) 648-2456
Photo of Shakaola Pinero, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Shakaola Pinero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
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

See more therapy options for 40383

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 40383

< 10

Psychiatrists in 40383 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Bipolar Disorder
89% Anxiety
78% ADHD
78% Medication Management
67% Psychosis
56% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

27 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% Optum

How Psychiatrists in 40383 see their clients

78% In Person and Online
22% Online Only

Gender breakdown

88% Female
12% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 40383?

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.