Psychiatrists in 40423

Photo of Wellsprings Wellness - Wellsprings Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Wellsprings Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Danville, KY 40423
Wellsprings Wellness Practitioners, Clinicians & staff provide a compassionate and caring environment to promote personal healing and growth.  We focus on each client's needs while honoring their individual beliefs and values. We pride ourselves in providing Integrated Care to our Patients. Integrated Care blends the expertise of mental health, substance use, and primary care practitioners, with feedback from patients and their caregivers. This creates a team-based approach where mental health care and general medical care are offered in the same setting.
Wellsprings Wellness Practitioners, Clinicians & staff provide a compassionate and caring environment to promote personal healing and growth.  We focus on each client's needs while honoring their individual beliefs and values. We pride ourselves in providing Integrated Care to our Patients. Integrated Care blends the expertise of mental health, substance use, and primary care practitioners, with feedback from patients and their caregivers. This creates a team-based approach where mental health care and general medical care are offered in the same setting.
(606) 217-6938 View (606) 217-6938
Photo of Krista Thompson, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Krista Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Danville, KY 40423
Are you looking for a caring, unique approach to your overall mental and physical wellness? Have you experienced a traumatic event or recent loss, or feel like you're not coping well emotionally with life stressors? Are you struggling to set healthy boundaries with loved ones or trying to break a harmful generational cycle? Do you feel stuck, like you're not managing as well as you wish you were? I'm a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner and faithful Christian with a great deal of life experience. I offer a quiet, serene place where self-motivated women can find help and sound counsel in a non-judgmental, caring environment.
Are you looking for a caring, unique approach to your overall mental and physical wellness? Have you experienced a traumatic event or recent loss, or feel like you're not coping well emotionally with life stressors? Are you struggling to set healthy boundaries with loved ones or trying to break a harmful generational cycle? Do you feel stuck, like you're not managing as well as you wish you were? I'm a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner and faithful Christian with a great deal of life experience. I offer a quiet, serene place where self-motivated women can find help and sound counsel in a non-judgmental, caring environment.
(859) 217-4911 View (859) 217-4911

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Rebekah Easton-Hogg, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rebekah Easton-Hogg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Berea, KY 40403
We are here to help you identify health care concerns, achieve higher resiliency, and work toward health care goals. We offer medication management, diagnostic clarification, and many additional mental health care services.
We are here to help you identify health care concerns, achieve higher resiliency, and work toward health care goals. We offer medication management, diagnostic clarification, and many additional mental health care services.
(859) 374-8974 View (859) 374-8974
Photo of Kim Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kim Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40517
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping you overcome your mental health struggles so can lead a meaningful life.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping you overcome your mental health struggles so can lead a meaningful life.
(859) 587-6586 View (859) 587-6586
Photo of Rhonda Blevins - PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, KY 40475  (Online Only)
Welcome to PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry, where all the mental health care services you need are accessible on your phone or computer. We know that getting appropriate care can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why scheduling you within 3-5 days and starting every appointment on time are two of the most important things to our practice. Working with the PsychMind team is also a gateway to learning how to manage your mental health confidently. We take the time to educate you on your diagnosis, providing resources to make sure you can take what you learn in the session and use it in daily life.
Welcome to PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry, where all the mental health care services you need are accessible on your phone or computer. We know that getting appropriate care can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why scheduling you within 3-5 days and starting every appointment on time are two of the most important things to our practice. Working with the PsychMind team is also a gateway to learning how to manage your mental health confidently. We take the time to educate you on your diagnosis, providing resources to make sure you can take what you learn in the session and use it in daily life.
(859) 328-2651 View (859) 328-2651
Photo of Dr. Angela Durham, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Angela Durham
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40503
My ideal client comes to me with a specific concern that we can work together one on one to find a solution. Whether it be anxiety, panic attacks, depression, ADHD etc, Dr. Durham wants to help you overcome whatever is standing in your way of living your best life.
My ideal client comes to me with a specific concern that we can work together one on one to find a solution. Whether it be anxiety, panic attacks, depression, ADHD etc, Dr. Durham wants to help you overcome whatever is standing in your way of living your best life.
(859) 249-9613 View (859) 249-9613
Photo of Nicole Asante, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Asante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, KY 40475  (Online Only)
My name is Dr. Nicole Asante, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as Family Nurse Practitioner based in Knoxville Tennessee and working with clients Tennessee and Kentucky via telehealth. I work with age 15 and above and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorders, eating disorder, substance abuse, strong knowledge in Veteran's care, schizophrenia as well as other mental health conditions, I believe in a combination of medication regimen and counseling to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Dr. Nicole Asante, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as Family Nurse Practitioner based in Knoxville Tennessee and working with clients Tennessee and Kentucky via telehealth. I work with age 15 and above and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorders, eating disorder, substance abuse, strong knowledge in Veteran's care, schizophrenia as well as other mental health conditions, I believe in a combination of medication regimen and counseling to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(859) 696-7861 View (859) 696-7861
Photo of Ryan Bowlds, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ryan Bowlds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40513
Ryan Bowlds, PMHNP Ryan Bowlds is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and completed a Psychiatric-Nurse Practitioner Master's degree from Western Kentucky University. Ryan offers not only medication management but the ability to provide psychotherapy-based therapeutic interventions. Outside of work, Ryan loves to play music, collect old music records, watch sports, and also play basketball and golf.
Ryan Bowlds, PMHNP Ryan Bowlds is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and completed a Psychiatric-Nurse Practitioner Master's degree from Western Kentucky University. Ryan offers not only medication management but the ability to provide psychotherapy-based therapeutic interventions. Outside of work, Ryan loves to play music, collect old music records, watch sports, and also play basketball and golf.
(859) 712-9926 View (859) 712-9926
Jessica Price
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40515
Jessica Price is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She holds active memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APRN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). She received her master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University and her bachelor's degree in Nursing from Kentucky State University. Her previous work experience includes both hospital and private practice settings in both inpatient and outpatient units.
Jessica Price is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She holds active memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APRN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). She received her master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University and her bachelor's degree in Nursing from Kentucky State University. Her previous work experience includes both hospital and private practice settings in both inpatient and outpatient units.
(859) 350-6419 View (859) 350-6419
Photo of Jill Patterson, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jill Patterson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40514  (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 Kurt Kristiansen, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kurt Kristiansen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40504  (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 Mark Martin, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mark Martin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Versailles, KY 40383
Mark Martin is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2010. Mark believes in treating people with respect and having an unbiased approach to each person's needs. In his spare time, Mark enjoys golf.
Mark Martin is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2010. Mark believes in treating people with respect and having an unbiased approach to each person's needs. In his spare time, Mark enjoys golf.
(502) 427-6324 View (502) 427-6324
Photo of Sooksai Kaewbua - New Horizons Psychiatry, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
New Horizons Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
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
Photo of Promise Haynes - Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40504  (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 David Njong Chindo, DNP, PMNP-BC, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Njong Chindo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMNP-BC, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Versailles, KY 40383  (Online Only)
Dr. Chindo is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has over 5 years of experience working with individuals with various mental health disorders, across the lifespan and with diverse groups of people. Dr. Chindo diagnose, treat, manage, and prescribe medications to treat various mental health disorders to include anxiety, depression and PTSD. His approach to psychiatric treatment combines therapeutic feedback coupled with the use of medication management to enable individuals to function at the best of their ability. "I believe in the “wholeness” of a person, and that laughter/happiness is always one of
Dr. Chindo is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has over 5 years of experience working with individuals with various mental health disorders, across the lifespan and with diverse groups of people. Dr. Chindo diagnose, treat, manage, and prescribe medications to treat various mental health disorders to include anxiety, depression and PTSD. His approach to psychiatric treatment combines therapeutic feedback coupled with the use of medication management to enable individuals to function at the best of their ability. "I believe in the “wholeness” of a person, and that laughter/happiness is always one of
(859) 710-1157 View (859) 710-1157
Photo of Lauren Wilson, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lauren Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40514
Lauren Wilson is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has over 7 years of experience working in mental health. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has served as a clinical instructor for the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and her master's degree in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.
Lauren Wilson is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has over 7 years of experience working in mental health. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has served as a clinical instructor for the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and her master's degree in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.
(859) 724-5693 View (859) 724-5693
Photo of Holly Gray, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse
Holly Gray
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN (C
Verified Verified
Versailles, KY 40383
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 Dana Ahmed - Tranquility Behavioral Health Clinic, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tranquility Behavioral Health Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40503  (Online Only)
I partner with you to help you achieve your personal best and become the person you aspire to be. Our approach is rooted in creating a friendly, safe, and non-judgmental environment where we can all be our authentic selves. ​ I practice integrated mental health services of traditional and alternative/ holistic approaches. We specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and PTSD just to name a few.
I partner with you to help you achieve your personal best and become the person you aspire to be. Our approach is rooted in creating a friendly, safe, and non-judgmental environment where we can all be our authentic selves. ​ I practice integrated mental health services of traditional and alternative/ holistic approaches. We specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and PTSD just to name a few.
(859) 955-4428 View (859) 955-4428
Photo of Felix Brown, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse
Felix Brown
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN (C
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40513
Jeremy Brown is an advanced practice registered nurse, board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Kentucky. He has served as a psychiatric registered nurse for the past 20 years providing care in both inpatient as well as outpatient care settings. He earned his Master of Science in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. Jeremy's areas of specialty include mood and thought disorders as well as treatment-refractory illness.
Jeremy Brown is an advanced practice registered nurse, board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Kentucky. He has served as a psychiatric registered nurse for the past 20 years providing care in both inpatient as well as outpatient care settings. He earned his Master of Science in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. Jeremy's areas of specialty include mood and thought disorders as well as treatment-refractory illness.
(859) 374-8258 View (859) 374-8258
Photo of Melissa Barnett, MSN, APRN , PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melissa Barnett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN , PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, KY 40475
The majority of my professional career has been spent caring for individuals in Central and Eastern Kentucky, thus, providing me with a greater appreciation of the unique circumstances facing my patients. My passion for behavioral health and addiction medicine lead me to Trinity Health Group where I hope to continue providing exceptional care to individuals in Estill and surrounding counties.
The majority of my professional career has been spent caring for individuals in Central and Eastern Kentucky, thus, providing me with a greater appreciation of the unique circumstances facing my patients. My passion for behavioral health and addiction medicine lead me to Trinity Health Group where I hope to continue providing exceptional care to individuals in Estill and surrounding counties.
(606) 717-1024 View (606) 717-1024

See more therapy options for 40423

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 40423

< 10

Psychiatrists in 40423 who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Grief
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Coping Skills
100% Medication Management

Average years in practice

8 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

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

How Psychiatrists in 40423 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 40423?

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.