Psychiatrists in 45440

Photo of Yvette Dorsey-Benson, PMHNP, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Yvette Dorsey-Benson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MBA
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440
Do you feel trapped or stuck in emotional situations that leave you feeling like there’s no way out? “Suffering in silence” is not an option and it’s ok to ask for help. Let me help you equip yourself with the necessary tools to become your best version of self. Yvette Dorsey-Benson is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals and families that struggle to manage stress, issues surrounding mental health and the day-to-day challenges that life can bring. “Understanding that we all experience dissatisfaction in life sometime or another is real. It’s ok not to be ok”.
Do you feel trapped or stuck in emotional situations that leave you feeling like there’s no way out? “Suffering in silence” is not an option and it’s ok to ask for help. Let me help you equip yourself with the necessary tools to become your best version of self. Yvette Dorsey-Benson is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals and families that struggle to manage stress, issues surrounding mental health and the day-to-day challenges that life can bring. “Understanding that we all experience dissatisfaction in life sometime or another is real. It’s ok not to be ok”.
(937) 230-8235 x101 View (937) 230-8235 x101
Photo of Katelyn Boldon, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katelyn Boldon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Kate and I have been working in the mental health field for 9 years. I started off my undergraduate degree working alongside top psychiatrists at OSU in identifying and treatment manic symptoms in what is now published research. I obtained my bachelors degree in both psychology and nursing at OSU. I then went on to get my Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I started off working as a psychiatric nurse in adolescent inpatient units. I then went on to community mental health, where I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clients from age 4 +, adolescents, adults to geriatric clients.
Hello! My name is Kate and I have been working in the mental health field for 9 years. I started off my undergraduate degree working alongside top psychiatrists at OSU in identifying and treatment manic symptoms in what is now published research. I obtained my bachelors degree in both psychology and nursing at OSU. I then went on to get my Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I started off working as a psychiatric nurse in adolescent inpatient units. I then went on to community mental health, where I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clients from age 4 +, adolescents, adults to geriatric clients.
(937) 756-9140 View (937) 756-9140
Photo of Nichole McCoy, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nichole McCoy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Hello there, I'm Nikki. Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt and confusion, or even deal with the trap of negative self-talk. Do you feel overwhelmed and pulled in a thousand directions? Do you find it hard to fit in, struggle with relationships, balance life, work and your health? No motivation, feelings lonely, and struggling to get out of bed? Do you struggle sleeping too much or barely at all with a constant energy? You deserve a safe space to talk, heal, and get to the root cause of what is weighing you down.
Hello there, I'm Nikki. Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt and confusion, or even deal with the trap of negative self-talk. Do you feel overwhelmed and pulled in a thousand directions? Do you find it hard to fit in, struggle with relationships, balance life, work and your health? No motivation, feelings lonely, and struggling to get out of bed? Do you struggle sleeping too much or barely at all with a constant energy? You deserve a safe space to talk, heal, and get to the root cause of what is weighing you down.
(937) 857-5558 View (937) 857-5558
Photo of Nne Ihemere, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nne Ihemere
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Nne graduated from The Ohio State University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Nne graduated from The Ohio State University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
(513) 663-4438 View (513) 663-4438
Photo of Jessie Maumburudze, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jessie Maumburudze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Hi! I am dual Board certified in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Master's in Nursing degree and post graduate degree at Ursuline College, Ohio.
Hi! I am dual Board certified in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Master's in Nursing degree and post graduate degree at Ursuline College, Ohio.
(216) 999-6625 View (216) 999-6625
Photo of Laurel Hurst, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Laurel Hurst
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Helping my patients feel safe, seen, and heard on the path to recovery is my primary goal as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Helping my patients feel safe, seen, and heard on the path to recovery is my primary goal as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
(513) 654-2889 View (513) 654-2889
Photo of Lejeana Miller, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lejeana Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440
Lejeana Miller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2004. She is a graduate of Wright State University where she earned her master's degree in Science with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration in 2021. Lejeana has over 15 years of psychiatric experience in areas such as geriatric psychiatry, neurology, adult inpatient acute psychiatry, psychiatric intensive care, community mental health, and addiction.
Lejeana Miller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2004. She is a graduate of Wright State University where she earned her master's degree in Science with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration in 2021. Lejeana has over 15 years of psychiatric experience in areas such as geriatric psychiatry, neurology, adult inpatient acute psychiatry, psychiatric intensive care, community mental health, and addiction.
(937) 863-9948 View (937) 863-9948
Photo of Nicole Sbrocchi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Sbrocchi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440
Mental health is as important as physical health because it affects our thoughts, feelings, and actions. When our mental health is affected, it can influence how we see ourselves, relate to others, and make decisions.
Mental health is as important as physical health because it affects our thoughts, feelings, and actions. When our mental health is affected, it can influence how we see ourselves, relate to others, and make decisions.
(567) 409-2316 View (567) 409-2316
Photo of Berline Frye, PMHNP, AGNP-BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Berline Frye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGNP-BC, MSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a provider that listens to you ,gives you time and pay attention to your mental health needs? Have you tried to navigate the difficult world of finding a Mental provider that spends more than 15 minutes to ensure you have a correct diagnosis and treatment. Look no more! I provide diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and therapy services in a safe environment. After trying so long to find help for my own Loved ones, I made it my mission to do things differently, work harder to foster a safe environment for all patients, truly care for patients, and share good practices in empathy and understanding.
Are you looking for a provider that listens to you ,gives you time and pay attention to your mental health needs? Have you tried to navigate the difficult world of finding a Mental provider that spends more than 15 minutes to ensure you have a correct diagnosis and treatment. Look no more! I provide diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and therapy services in a safe environment. After trying so long to find help for my own Loved ones, I made it my mission to do things differently, work harder to foster a safe environment for all patients, truly care for patients, and share good practices in empathy and understanding.
(440) 261-5270 View (440) 261-5270
Photo of Biaunka Lee, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Biaunka Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440
Biaunka Phillips is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. Biaunka helps her clients by being patient centered, empathetic, attentive, and dedicated to their needs. She involves her clients, so they feel they are a part of their care. Biaunka has gained experience in critical care, medical-surgical, and long-term care throughout her nursing career. Over the last 7 years, Biaunka has worked in mental health and provided education and assisted in meeting patients' needs.
Biaunka Phillips is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. Biaunka helps her clients by being patient centered, empathetic, attentive, and dedicated to their needs. She involves her clients, so they feel they are a part of their care. Biaunka has gained experience in critical care, medical-surgical, and long-term care throughout her nursing career. Over the last 7 years, Biaunka has worked in mental health and provided education and assisted in meeting patients' needs.
(937) 927-8985 View (937) 927-8985
Photo of Misty McDowell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Misty McDowell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45440  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and five years of experience in treating addiction and alcohol dependence, and I am only licensed in Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health services for clients who have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, social anxiety, post-partum depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, tourette's disorder, excoriation skin-picking disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmare disorder, night-tear disorder, eating disorders, etc.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and five years of experience in treating addiction and alcohol dependence, and I am only licensed in Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health services for clients who have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, social anxiety, post-partum depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, tourette's disorder, excoriation skin-picking disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmare disorder, night-tear disorder, eating disorders, etc.
(614) 683-3586 View (614) 683-3586
Photo of Denise Dews, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Denise Dews
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440
I’m here to help you with your mental health concerns and provide you with the best possible care.” I can provide medication treatment as well as psychotherapy. I have a vast array of experience in mental health, as I've been a psychiatric nurse since 2011. My focus is on treating children, adolescents and adults through the life span.
I’m here to help you with your mental health concerns and provide you with the best possible care.” I can provide medication treatment as well as psychotherapy. I have a vast array of experience in mental health, as I've been a psychiatric nurse since 2011. My focus is on treating children, adolescents and adults through the life span.
(513) 960-7137 View (513) 960-7137
Photo of Nancy Odita-Honnah, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nancy Odita-Honnah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Nancy Odita-Honnah is a psych mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in assessing, diagnosing, medication management of Mood Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and many more psych disorders in Adult and Geriatric population. She also prescribes medication for acute and chronic illness, she provides care coordination and makes referral to appropriate teams.
Nancy Odita-Honnah is a psych mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in assessing, diagnosing, medication management of Mood Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and many more psych disorders in Adult and Geriatric population. She also prescribes medication for acute and chronic illness, she provides care coordination and makes referral to appropriate teams.
(513) 848-6299 View (513) 848-6299
Photo of Sarah Swiger, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Swiger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Welcome to Stronger Minds Mental Health and Wellness, LLC. My name is Sarah and I am both a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
Welcome to Stronger Minds Mental Health and Wellness, LLC. My name is Sarah and I am both a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
(513) 647-0531 View (513) 647-0531
Photo of April DeBiasi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
April DeBiasi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440  (Online Only)
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
(440) 530-6141 View (440) 530-6141
Photo of Summer Lawson - Summer, Psyched, PsychedCbus via Grow Therapy, MSN BS, MSW BA, LISWd, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Summer, Psyched, PsychedCbus via Grow Therapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN BS, MSW BA, LISWd, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dayton, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Hi, I am Summer, your new psychiatric mental health provider, therapist, counselor, and coach. Congratulations, you are here! Get ready to get PSYCHED, because you have navigated yourself to the right place. You want to re-ignite that passion. Whether you are an executive professional, a medical practitioner, SAHM, career academic, in between life phases, or … As person who has realized life is not what it can be anymore, let’s work together and get that drive back. Know, right now you are doing the best you can and “go you” for recognizing you have the potential to do it more efficiently. Work smarter, not harder as they say.
Hi, I am Summer, your new psychiatric mental health provider, therapist, counselor, and coach. Congratulations, you are here! Get ready to get PSYCHED, because you have navigated yourself to the right place. You want to re-ignite that passion. Whether you are an executive professional, a medical practitioner, SAHM, career academic, in between life phases, or … As person who has realized life is not what it can be anymore, let’s work together and get that drive back. Know, right now you are doing the best you can and “go you” for recognizing you have the potential to do it more efficiently. Work smarter, not harder as they say.
(513) 848-6371 View (513) 848-6371
Photo of Janelle Fitzgerald-Kratzenberg, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Janelle Fitzgerald-Kratzenberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Hello. My name is Janelle and I am the owner/operator of Psych Differently, LLC. Are you engaged in therapy and considering medication to assist with symptom management? Are you struggling to find a provider that offers flexible appointments that fit into your daily schedule?
Hello. My name is Janelle and I am the owner/operator of Psych Differently, LLC. Are you engaged in therapy and considering medication to assist with symptom management? Are you struggling to find a provider that offers flexible appointments that fit into your daily schedule?
(513) 855-6103 View (513) 855-6103
Photo of Melinda Kaye Bates, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melinda Kaye Bates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440
The mind and the body are both important parts of your overall well-being. We will work together to create a treatment plan that will improve your mental health and help you to feel like your best self.
The mind and the body are both important parts of your overall well-being. We will work together to create a treatment plan that will improve your mental health and help you to feel like your best self.
(614) 826-6567 View (614) 826-6567
Photo of Daija Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Daija Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Daija Jones, Founder of Cultivating & Curing the Mind LLC. I have a background in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Prisons, and Mental Health. I found my passion to serve in the Mental Health field through working in the Emergency Rooms as well as working in the Prisons. Mental Health has been one of the greatest healthcare struggles across the country for years and that is why I put in the work to join the fight.
Hello, my name is Daija Jones, Founder of Cultivating & Curing the Mind LLC. I have a background in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Prisons, and Mental Health. I found my passion to serve in the Mental Health field through working in the Emergency Rooms as well as working in the Prisons. Mental Health has been one of the greatest healthcare struggles across the country for years and that is why I put in the work to join the fight.
(513) 676-6012 View (513) 676-6012
Photo of Cassandra Hazelrig - Mental Health Services, LLC, MSN, CNP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mental Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNP, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45440
Hi, my name is Cassandra Hazelrig, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience. My work experience includes hospital and community mental health settings, serving patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, dual diagnosis, and other conditions. The first step toward healing is an accurate diagnosis, followed by a combination of effective medication management, lifestyle changes, and therapy techniques. We will work together to garner your inner strengths, learn new coping skills, and leap over stumbling blocks that prevent you from living your best life.
Hi, my name is Cassandra Hazelrig, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience. My work experience includes hospital and community mental health settings, serving patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, dual diagnosis, and other conditions. The first step toward healing is an accurate diagnosis, followed by a combination of effective medication management, lifestyle changes, and therapy techniques. We will work together to garner your inner strengths, learn new coping skills, and leap over stumbling blocks that prevent you from living your best life.
(513) 953-4359 View (513) 953-4359
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See more therapy options for 45440

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 45440

20+

Average cost per session

$145

Psychiatrists in 45440 who prioritize treating:

100% Anxiety
95% Depression
73% Bipolar Disorder
59% Trauma and PTSD
50% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
45% ADHD
41% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

18 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

95% Cigna and Evernorth
95% Other
91% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in 45440 see their clients

68% Online Only
32% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 45440?

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.