Psychiatrists in 40514
Magdalen Mekoh - Headway
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40514 (Online Only)
I am here to help if you are struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, alcohol and substance use disorder and other psychiatric disorders. If you feel that things are not going well and you want to talk to someone to identify what is wrong, I am here to help. I believe in getting to the root of issues so, I try to provide a platform for patients to express themselves and together we try to touch the root cause of their problems instead of just treating symptoms.
I am here to help if you are struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, alcohol and substance use disorder and other psychiatric disorders. If you feel that things are not going well and you want to talk to someone to identify what is wrong, I am here to help. I believe in getting to the root of issues so, I try to provide a platform for patients to express themselves and together we try to touch the root cause of their problems instead of just treating symptoms.
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.
I have been working in Mental Health since 2011, first as an inpatient psychiatric RN and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have practiced as a nurse practitioner in VA hospitals as a psychiatric consultation liaison and at VA community-based outpatient clinics. That’s just a fancy way of saying I have experience working as an inpatient and outpatient clinician. In addition, I have experience working in community mental health, mostly working with clients on Medicaid, many with substance abuse issues. As my well-rounded experience suggests, I respect and enjoy working with clients from all walks of life.
I have been working in Mental Health since 2011, first as an inpatient psychiatric RN and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have practiced as a nurse practitioner in VA hospitals as a psychiatric consultation liaison and at VA community-based outpatient clinics. That’s just a fancy way of saying I have experience working as an inpatient and outpatient clinician. In addition, I have experience working in community mental health, mostly working with clients on Medicaid, many with substance abuse issues. As my well-rounded experience suggests, I respect and enjoy working with clients from all walks of life.
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.
Cheryl Lynn Marrs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40514
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!
Allie Carmichael is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2022. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville. Allie has experience working as a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting on children, adolescent, and adult units. She has experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner working with adults in an inpatient psychiatric unit.
Allie Carmichael is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2022. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville. Allie has experience working as a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting on children, adolescent, and adult units. She has experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner working with adults in an inpatient psychiatric unit.
Mariem Kader, PMHNP, is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner providing compassionate mental health care to individuals across Kentucky. She offers medication management and psychotherapybased interventions to address a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD. Mariem’s holistic approach integrates evidencebased care with a focus on individual needs, helping clients navigate challenges like midlife transitions, grief, substance use, and sleep disorders.
Mariem Kader, PMHNP, is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner providing compassionate mental health care to individuals across Kentucky. She offers medication management and psychotherapybased interventions to address a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD. Mariem’s holistic approach integrates evidencebased care with a focus on individual needs, helping clients navigate challenges like midlife transitions, grief, substance use, and sleep disorders.
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.
Brian Richardson is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who received his"¯Master's"¯Degree"¯from Northern Kentucky University. "¯ He received a bachelor's degree in nursing and environmental studies from Eastern Kentucky University. "¯ He has"¯experience"¯working"¯at Cardinal Hill dealing with traumatic brain injury patients and"¯the"¯rehabilitative needs of patients with acute medical conditions. "¯ He has"¯also"¯worked at the Ridge inpatient"¯services"¯with children, adolescents, and adult populations. "¯ His special interests include treatment of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
Brian Richardson is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who received his"¯Master's"¯Degree"¯from Northern Kentucky University. "¯ He received a bachelor's degree in nursing and environmental studies from Eastern Kentucky University. "¯ He has"¯experience"¯working"¯at Cardinal Hill dealing with traumatic brain injury patients and"¯the"¯rehabilitative needs of patients with acute medical conditions. "¯ He has"¯also"¯worked at the Ridge inpatient"¯services"¯with children, adolescents, and adult populations. "¯ His special interests include treatment of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
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.
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.
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.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone. Our areas of expertise include: Opioid treatment (Suboxone, Sublocade, Vivitrol, Naltrexone, Lucemyra, a
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone. Our areas of expertise include: Opioid treatment (Suboxone, Sublocade, Vivitrol, Naltrexone, Lucemyra, a
Dr. Meredith C Wood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ANP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, KY 40475 (Online Only)
I am accepting new patients age 6 years and older for medication management. I have over 19 years of healthcare experience. All appointments are via telehealth using doxy.me. At PsychMind, we have a team of mental health professionals who also provide therapy. Call or email for any questions or to get started with scheduling.
I am accepting new patients age 6 years and older for medication management. I have over 19 years of healthcare experience. All appointments are via telehealth using doxy.me. At PsychMind, we have a team of mental health professionals who also provide therapy. Call or email for any questions or to get started with scheduling.
I am a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner who integrates a holistic and personalized approach to mental health care. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, I value the unique needs of each patient, recognizing that emotional, physical, and social factors all contribute to mental wellness. Passionate about creating safe and compassionate spaces, I work closely with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that empower them on their journey toward healing and resilience.
I am a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner who integrates a holistic and personalized approach to mental health care. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, I value the unique needs of each patient, recognizing that emotional, physical, and social factors all contribute to mental wellness. Passionate about creating safe and compassionate spaces, I work closely with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that empower them on their journey toward healing and resilience.
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.
Angel is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is originally from Nigeria but has called Lexington her home since 2016. Angel attended midway university for her undergraduate studies in nursing. While in nursing school, she worked at Baptist health as a patient care technician. She found psychiatry particularly interesting and decided to become a psychiatric nurse at eastern state hospital where she has worked as a registered nurse for about four years now. Angel went on to pursue her MSN at Herzing University. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, holistic an
Angel is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is originally from Nigeria but has called Lexington her home since 2016. Angel attended midway university for her undergraduate studies in nursing. While in nursing school, she worked at Baptist health as a patient care technician. She found psychiatry particularly interesting and decided to become a psychiatric nurse at eastern state hospital where she has worked as a registered nurse for about four years now. Angel went on to pursue her MSN at Herzing University. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, holistic an
Satang Ann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-B, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40502 (Online Only)
I value meeting my clients where they are, utilizing an evidence-based treatment approach, and working with the interdisciplinary treatment team if needed. My core values are being a good listener, showing empathy, and building rapport with my client. The client remains the center of care. Thank you for trusting me with your care.
I value meeting my clients where they are, utilizing an evidence-based treatment approach, and working with the interdisciplinary treatment team if needed. My core values are being a good listener, showing empathy, and building rapport with my client. The client remains the center of care. Thank you for trusting me with your care.
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.
See more therapy options for 40514
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 40514
10+
Average cost per session
$167
Psychiatrists in 40514 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
92% | Medication Management |
83% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Aetna |
60% | Cigna and Evernorth |
60% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 40514 see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
36% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 40514?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.