Psychiatrists in 43016

Dr. Michele Cash is a Doctorally-Prepared Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist And Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She earned a DNP at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cash has more than two decades treating children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. She has extensive experience treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic conditions.
Dr. Michele Cash is a Doctorally-Prepared Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist And Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She earned a DNP at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cash has more than two decades treating children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. She has extensive experience treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic conditions.

Welcome to Keystone Mental Health (KMH)! We provide psychiatric services to adults, children and adolescents. KMH is a psychiatric medical practice consisting of Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners, with the main goal to provide client focused, collaborative, compassionate and up to date psychiatric care for clients of all backgrounds. The goal is to educate about various evidence-based options for patient treatment so that individuals can make an informed decision that is the most helpful to their needs.
Welcome to Keystone Mental Health (KMH)! We provide psychiatric services to adults, children and adolescents. KMH is a psychiatric medical practice consisting of Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners, with the main goal to provide client focused, collaborative, compassionate and up to date psychiatric care for clients of all backgrounds. The goal is to educate about various evidence-based options for patient treatment so that individuals can make an informed decision that is the most helpful to their needs.

Larissa Lacey Mehling is a board certified mental health and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is certified from the American Nursing Credential Center. Lacey has several years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. Before working as a psychiatric mental health NP, Lacey worked for many years on an inpatient child/adolescent psychiatry unit. She received her master's degree in nursing from The Ohio State University. She received two bachelor's degrees, one in Psychology from The Ohio State University and one in Nursing from Ashland University.
Larissa Lacey Mehling is a board certified mental health and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is certified from the American Nursing Credential Center. Lacey has several years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. Before working as a psychiatric mental health NP, Lacey worked for many years on an inpatient child/adolescent psychiatry unit. She received her master's degree in nursing from The Ohio State University. She received two bachelor's degrees, one in Psychology from The Ohio State University and one in Nursing from Ashland University.

Nicole McCrackin is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Mount Carmel College of Nursing and her master's degree in nursing from The Ohio State University. She has previously worked for government and community-based organizations providing psychiatric services and supportive therapy to the adult population. She currently provides medication management to adults ages 18 to 65+. Her treatment areas of specialty include anxiety and panic disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia.
Nicole McCrackin is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Mount Carmel College of Nursing and her master's degree in nursing from The Ohio State University. She has previously worked for government and community-based organizations providing psychiatric services and supportive therapy to the adult population. She currently provides medication management to adults ages 18 to 65+. Her treatment areas of specialty include anxiety and panic disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia.

Are you feeling down, worrying too much, having difficulty sleeping or unmotivated? If so, you could be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, and may benefit from mental health assessment,therapy and medications. Hello, My name is Jane Aridge, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Are you feeling down, worrying too much, having difficulty sleeping or unmotivated? If so, you could be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, and may benefit from mental health assessment,therapy and medications. Hello, My name is Jane Aridge, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Brittany Schmidt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in women's mental health across the lifespan. This includes preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and the transition through perimenopause. I will work together with you to find balance and support your unique mental health needs. I am available virtually, or in person, at Well Balanced Women, giving you flexibility to prioritize your mental health care. The only regret you might have is that you didn't find me sooner. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your mental health goals!
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in women's mental health across the lifespan. This includes preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and the transition through perimenopause. I will work together with you to find balance and support your unique mental health needs. I am available virtually, or in person, at Well Balanced Women, giving you flexibility to prioritize your mental health care. The only regret you might have is that you didn't find me sooner. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your mental health goals!

Welcome! GentlePsych is an online telepsychiatry practice seeing patients in Ohio 7 and up. Virtual visits allow for you to be in the most comfortable space for you. (Not anyone else). I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Ohio providing diagnostic evaluations, medication management services, as well as psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues and disorders. I have special interests in treatment of ADHD, Adult ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, as well as working together to help you heal.
Welcome! GentlePsych is an online telepsychiatry practice seeing patients in Ohio 7 and up. Virtual visits allow for you to be in the most comfortable space for you. (Not anyone else). I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Ohio providing diagnostic evaluations, medication management services, as well as psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues and disorders. I have special interests in treatment of ADHD, Adult ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, as well as working together to help you heal.

Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.

Dr. Kyle Resnick completed his psychiatry residency at Cleveland Clinic Akron General / SummaHealth, where he served as chief resident and earned the Intern of the Year award. During residency, Dr. Resnick gained experience working with adults in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospital settings. He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and undergraduate degrees from Miami University of Ohio in zoology, neuroscience, and classical antiquities. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Kyle Resnick completed his psychiatry residency at Cleveland Clinic Akron General / SummaHealth, where he served as chief resident and earned the Intern of the Year award. During residency, Dr. Resnick gained experience working with adults in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospital settings. He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and undergraduate degrees from Miami University of Ohio in zoology, neuroscience, and classical antiquities. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.

Michael Tichy is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing since 2007. He graduated from The Ohio State University, completing his master's degree after an undergraduate study in psychology and a subsequent career in social psychology research. Michael believes in personal autonomy above nearly all else and his focus on treatment is to collaborate with each patient to come up with a plan that suits them best. His areas of interest are primarily the management of anxiety and mood disorders and ADHD, as well as the impact of acute and complex trauma in the manifestation of psychiatric challenges.
Michael Tichy is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing since 2007. He graduated from The Ohio State University, completing his master's degree after an undergraduate study in psychology and a subsequent career in social psychology research. Michael believes in personal autonomy above nearly all else and his focus on treatment is to collaborate with each patient to come up with a plan that suits them best. His areas of interest are primarily the management of anxiety and mood disorders and ADHD, as well as the impact of acute and complex trauma in the manifestation of psychiatric challenges.

Michelle Kotte is a board certified mental health and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is certified from the American Nursing Credential Center. Michelle has 4 years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. Before working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Michelle worked for several years on an inpatient psychiatry unit. Michelle earned her doctorate in nursing from Duke University. She has two master's degrees in nursing from Capital University and The Ohio State University. She received two bachelor's degrees, one in education from Ohio University and one in nursing from Capital University.
Michelle Kotte is a board certified mental health and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is certified from the American Nursing Credential Center. Michelle has 4 years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. Before working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Michelle worked for several years on an inpatient psychiatry unit. Michelle earned her doctorate in nursing from Duke University. She has two master's degrees in nursing from Capital University and The Ohio State University. She received two bachelor's degrees, one in education from Ohio University and one in nursing from Capital University.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Kelli Ann Warrens, an Advanced Practice Nurse at LifeStance Health, is dedicated to helping patients in Ohio by providing personalized care and treatment plans for their mental health needs. Kelli collaborates closely with her patients, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met with patience, kindness, and a nonjudgmental attitude. Specializing in PTSD and trauma, Kelli has a deep passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of these challenging experiences. She employs evidencebased therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support her patients in their journey towards healing and recovery.
Kelli Ann Warrens, an Advanced Practice Nurse at LifeStance Health, is dedicated to helping patients in Ohio by providing personalized care and treatment plans for their mental health needs. Kelli collaborates closely with her patients, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met with patience, kindness, and a nonjudgmental attitude. Specializing in PTSD and trauma, Kelli has a deep passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of these challenging experiences. She employs evidencebased therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support her patients in their journey towards healing and recovery.

Marching On Pediatric Mental Health Care, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, APRN-CN, PMHNP-B, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Providing exceptional mental health care to the pediatric population is my number one goal. Continuing to break the stigma associated with mental health, I'm a non-judgemental listening ear and strive to help children reach their true potential. Specializing in pediatric trauma, I not only can help with medication management, but also provide resources to ensure your child is receiving a well-rounded treatment approach.
Providing exceptional mental health care to the pediatric population is my number one goal. Continuing to break the stigma associated with mental health, I'm a non-judgemental listening ear and strive to help children reach their true potential. Specializing in pediatric trauma, I not only can help with medication management, but also provide resources to ensure your child is receiving a well-rounded treatment approach.

Brian Howard is a board certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner whose primary focus is mental health care of clients to promote optimal living within their environment. He received his post-masters as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Washburn University, his master's in nursing and family nurse practitioner from Eastern Kentucky University, and bachelor's in nursing from McKendree College. He has worked in private practice, emergency medicine, and public health.
Brian Howard is a board certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner whose primary focus is mental health care of clients to promote optimal living within their environment. He received his post-masters as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Washburn University, his master's in nursing and family nurse practitioner from Eastern Kentucky University, and bachelor's in nursing from McKendree College. He has worked in private practice, emergency medicine, and public health.

Finding the 'why' behind each patient’s story is at the heart of Dr. Saherwala’s approach. To achieve this, she expertly blends psychodynamic therapy with a strategic use of medication management. Board-certified and dedicated, Dr. Saherwala looks beyond surface-level symptoms to find the root of challenges. With a patient-first approach, she thoroughly explores each case from social, medical, and psychological angles. You will feel truly seen and supported throughout your journey.
Finding the 'why' behind each patient’s story is at the heart of Dr. Saherwala’s approach. To achieve this, she expertly blends psychodynamic therapy with a strategic use of medication management. Board-certified and dedicated, Dr. Saherwala looks beyond surface-level symptoms to find the root of challenges. With a patient-first approach, she thoroughly explores each case from social, medical, and psychological angles. You will feel truly seen and supported throughout your journey.

Mourine J Nyangoro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
The mental healthcare relies on cultural acceptance and transparency. My main objective as a psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner, is to use my professional expertise and experiences to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, empowering, solution oriented, and attention to holistic care. My ultimate professional goal is to work with mental health patients to achieve their highest level of mental wellbeing, despite of their physical, mental, and financial limitations.
The mental healthcare relies on cultural acceptance and transparency. My main objective as a psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner, is to use my professional expertise and experiences to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, empowering, solution oriented, and attention to holistic care. My ultimate professional goal is to work with mental health patients to achieve their highest level of mental wellbeing, despite of their physical, mental, and financial limitations.

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.

My name is Corey, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, offering evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for adults with mental health disorders.
My name is Corey, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, offering evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for adults with mental health disorders.

Kinsey Reeves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN , PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a dual board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to provide psychiatric evaluation, care, and treatment from both a medication management and psychotherapeutic approach. I offer a holistic and collaborative approach to treatment and will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan based on your personal goals and treatment preferences. Our collaborative plan of care may include medications, lifestyle modifications, psychotherapeutic approaches, and supplements amongst other modalities. I am passionate in working with those with mood, anxiety, & attention concerns.
I am a dual board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to provide psychiatric evaluation, care, and treatment from both a medication management and psychotherapeutic approach. I offer a holistic and collaborative approach to treatment and will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan based on your personal goals and treatment preferences. Our collaborative plan of care may include medications, lifestyle modifications, psychotherapeutic approaches, and supplements amongst other modalities. I am passionate in working with those with mood, anxiety, & attention concerns.

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
See more therapy options for 43016
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 43016
20+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in 43016 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
79% | Medication Management |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
63% | ADHD |
63% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
95% | Cigna and Evernorth |
77% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 43016 see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
30% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 43016?
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.