Psychiatrists in 59901
Welcome! Align Psychiatry and Wellness is an online telepsychiatry practice seeing patients ages 6 and up. I see clients both in person and telemedicine to allow the most comfortable space for you. I am a dual board-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in diagnostic testing and medication management for a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. I also offer adjunctive hormone and supplements services that are designed not only to address physical health concerns but also to foster mental wellness.
Welcome! Align Psychiatry and Wellness is an online telepsychiatry practice seeing patients ages 6 and up. I see clients both in person and telemedicine to allow the most comfortable space for you. I am a dual board-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in diagnostic testing and medication management for a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. I also offer adjunctive hormone and supplements services that are designed not only to address physical health concerns but also to foster mental wellness.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, perhaps navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout. They might feel like they’ve tried to “push through” for too long without real relief. Many come to me because they’re looking for something more than a quick fix. They want to understand themselves more deeply, restore balance in their lives, and feel emotionally and physically well. Their goals often include improving their mood, reducing stress, sleeping better, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with their authentic self. Above all, they want to feel seen, heard, and supported.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, perhaps navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout. They might feel like they’ve tried to “push through” for too long without real relief. Many come to me because they’re looking for something more than a quick fix. They want to understand themselves more deeply, restore balance in their lives, and feel emotionally and physically well. Their goals often include improving their mood, reducing stress, sleeping better, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with their authentic self. Above all, they want to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Summit Psychiatry Associates – Compassionate Mental Health Care in Montana
At Summit Psychiatry Associates, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered psychiatric care for individuals across Montana. Our team offers comprehensive mental health services through telepsychiatry and in-person visits, ensuring that care is accessible no matter where you are in the state.
We specialize in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized treatment plans for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Depression, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, OCD, Autism.
Summit Psychiatry Associates – Compassionate Mental Health Care in Montana
At Summit Psychiatry Associates, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered psychiatric care for individuals across Montana. Our team offers comprehensive mental health services through telepsychiatry and in-person visits, ensuring that care is accessible no matter where you are in the state.
We specialize in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized treatment plans for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Depression, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, OCD, Autism.
Life has a way of leaving us feeling stuck. Whether we’re navigating grief, major transitions, unhealthy relationships, past trauma, or bearing the weight of depression, anxiety, addiction, or psychosis... When we can’t seem to gain traction, even the simplest step forward can feel overwhelming. I’m passionate about walking alongside people in those moments.
My role is to help you find your footing, reclaim your momentum, and take that meaningful next step toward balance and health.
Life has a way of leaving us feeling stuck. Whether we’re navigating grief, major transitions, unhealthy relationships, past trauma, or bearing the weight of depression, anxiety, addiction, or psychosis... When we can’t seem to gain traction, even the simplest step forward can feel overwhelming. I’m passionate about walking alongside people in those moments.
My role is to help you find your footing, reclaim your momentum, and take that meaningful next step toward balance and health.
Welcome! Align Psychiatry & Wellness is a psychiatry practice serving children, adolescents, and adults ages 6 and up. I offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments to create a comfortable, supportive space for care. I am a dual board-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in diagnostic evaluation and medication management for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. I also offer adjunctive hormone, weight loss, and supplement services designed to support both physical health and overall mental wellness.
Welcome! Align Psychiatry & Wellness is a psychiatry practice serving children, adolescents, and adults ages 6 and up. I offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments to create a comfortable, supportive space for care. I am a dual board-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in diagnostic evaluation and medication management for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. I also offer adjunctive hormone, weight loss, and supplement services designed to support both physical health and overall mental wellness.
As board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, we work to engage in a unique therapeutic relationship. Our focus is to perform a thorough assessment, diagnosis and evaluation to provide medication management, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy using a collaborative approach. Overall, we welcome you to come as you are and together we can reach your mental health goals. Mental health care is an essential piece of overall health.
As board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, we work to engage in a unique therapeutic relationship. Our focus is to perform a thorough assessment, diagnosis and evaluation to provide medication management, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy using a collaborative approach. Overall, we welcome you to come as you are and together we can reach your mental health goals. Mental health care is an essential piece of overall health.
Now accepting new patients with same week appointments! Have you been struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, issues with body image, severe mood fluctuations or perceptual disturbances and find that life has been increasingly difficult to cope with? Have you tried to seek advice from family members, friends and spiritual counselors, to no avail? You can overcome these struggles, with the right tools and I am here to help, using an unbiased approach. I draw from a few traditional therapeutic techniques, in combination with medication management, to create a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Now accepting new patients with same week appointments! Have you been struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, issues with body image, severe mood fluctuations or perceptual disturbances and find that life has been increasingly difficult to cope with? Have you tried to seek advice from family members, friends and spiritual counselors, to no avail? You can overcome these struggles, with the right tools and I am here to help, using an unbiased approach. I draw from a few traditional therapeutic techniques, in combination with medication management, to create a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
I am accepting a limited number of new patients at this time. I do psychiatric evaluations for the purpose of medication management. Conditions I treat include, but are not limited to, ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar II disorder, OCD, and PTSD. I am very invested in what I do, and try to work collaboratively with my patients to come up with the best individualized treatment for every patient I see.
I am accepting a limited number of new patients at this time. I do psychiatric evaluations for the purpose of medication management. Conditions I treat include, but are not limited to, ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar II disorder, OCD, and PTSD. I am very invested in what I do, and try to work collaboratively with my patients to come up with the best individualized treatment for every patient I see.
Lauren Coley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! My name is Lauren, and I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am based out of Bigfork, MT and offer both in person and telehealth visits. I have years of experience as an RN, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric experience doing psychiatric assessments and medication management for patients ranging in age from 5 years to 95 years old. I like to take time to get to know my patients and figure out the basis of their mental health concerns. I offer a holistic approach to treatment which includes medication management and psychotherapy combined. I will be transitioning to offering functional psychiatry in 2026.
Hello! My name is Lauren, and I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am based out of Bigfork, MT and offer both in person and telehealth visits. I have years of experience as an RN, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric experience doing psychiatric assessments and medication management for patients ranging in age from 5 years to 95 years old. I like to take time to get to know my patients and figure out the basis of their mental health concerns. I offer a holistic approach to treatment which includes medication management and psychotherapy combined. I will be transitioning to offering functional psychiatry in 2026.
When you’re navigating both a mental health challenge and/or recovery from opioid use, it can feel like you’re fighting on two fronts at once. Maybe you’ve felt that your anxiety or depression is what led to your use in the first place, or perhaps the stress of recovery is making your mental health feel unmanageable. You shouldn't have to choose which part of yourself to treat today. You deserve a space where your whole experience—not just a single diagnosis—is understood and supported."
When you’re navigating both a mental health challenge and/or recovery from opioid use, it can feel like you’re fighting on two fronts at once. Maybe you’ve felt that your anxiety or depression is what led to your use in the first place, or perhaps the stress of recovery is making your mental health feel unmanageable. You shouldn't have to choose which part of yourself to treat today. You deserve a space where your whole experience—not just a single diagnosis—is understood and supported."
Currently accepting new clients in MT: I’m Michael Fallon, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Frontier Psychiatry. I take a holistic approach to mental health care that considers the full picture of who you are, not just a list of symptoms. I believe nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle are essential components of well-being, and I’m passionate about helping people integrate these into their mental health journey. I currently work with adults across the lifespan, and my background includes experience in outpatient care, emergency psychiatry, addiction treatment, and acute inpatient.
Currently accepting new clients in MT: I’m Michael Fallon, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Frontier Psychiatry. I take a holistic approach to mental health care that considers the full picture of who you are, not just a list of symptoms. I believe nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle are essential components of well-being, and I’m passionate about helping people integrate these into their mental health journey. I currently work with adults across the lifespan, and my background includes experience in outpatient care, emergency psychiatry, addiction treatment, and acute inpatient.
Accepting new patients for medication management! My ideal client is someone struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD, seeking the right medications to improve their mental health. They may feel overwhelmed or stuck in their symptoms and are looking for a tailored treatment plan to regain balance and stability. Together, we’ll find the right medications to help them feel better and achieve lasting improvements. Let’s work together to get you on the path to better mental well-being.
Accepting new patients for medication management! My ideal client is someone struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD, seeking the right medications to improve their mental health. They may feel overwhelmed or stuck in their symptoms and are looking for a tailored treatment plan to regain balance and stability. Together, we’ll find the right medications to help them feel better and achieve lasting improvements. Let’s work together to get you on the path to better mental well-being.
I currently have openings for new clients. Reach out any time to schedule an appointment! As a psychiatric Physician Assistant with a background in addiction medicine, I’m passionate about partnering with clients who are ready to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth. My ideal clients are open to collaboration, whether they’re navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, or other psychiatric conditions, and are seeking both medical and behavioral support.
I currently have openings for new clients. Reach out any time to schedule an appointment! As a psychiatric Physician Assistant with a background in addiction medicine, I’m passionate about partnering with clients who are ready to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth. My ideal clients are open to collaboration, whether they’re navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, or other psychiatric conditions, and are seeking both medical and behavioral support.
Providing expert medication management and compassionate therapy services to help resolve anxiety, panic, OCD, depression, anger, PTSD, and other pervasive problems. A psychiatric evaluation and research proven treatment could put you back on the right path.
Providing expert medication management and compassionate therapy services to help resolve anxiety, panic, OCD, depression, anger, PTSD, and other pervasive problems. A psychiatric evaluation and research proven treatment could put you back on the right path.
Taking new clients! Finding the right fit for psychiatry can be deeply personal. I strive to offer thoughtful, individualized treatment that respects each person's goals, values, and lived experience. When appropriate, I integrate evidence-based lifestyle medicine principles into care. Working together, we may consider optimizing a medication regimen, minimizing polypharmacy, referring to psychotherapy, clarifying diagnosis, and implementing supportive changes like improved sleep hygiene. My approach centers on collaboration, symptom relief, and long-term health: recognizing that meaningful progress often happens step by step.
Taking new clients! Finding the right fit for psychiatry can be deeply personal. I strive to offer thoughtful, individualized treatment that respects each person's goals, values, and lived experience. When appropriate, I integrate evidence-based lifestyle medicine principles into care. Working together, we may consider optimizing a medication regimen, minimizing polypharmacy, referring to psychotherapy, clarifying diagnosis, and implementing supportive changes like improved sleep hygiene. My approach centers on collaboration, symptom relief, and long-term health: recognizing that meaningful progress often happens step by step.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking mental health care and values a personalized and collaborative approach to treatment. They may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, inattention, or other psychiatric conditions that require medication management. What they need goes beyond just symptom control; they desire a holistic perspective that considers their overall well-being. I believe my clients appreciate my commitment to collaboration, evidence-based practice, and actively involving them in creating treatment plans.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking mental health care and values a personalized and collaborative approach to treatment. They may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, inattention, or other psychiatric conditions that require medication management. What they need goes beyond just symptom control; they desire a holistic perspective that considers their overall well-being. I believe my clients appreciate my commitment to collaboration, evidence-based practice, and actively involving them in creating treatment plans.
You may be doing your best to keep up while feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from yourself. Ongoing anxiety, low mood, trauma, focus challenges, or sleep problems may be affecting your work, relationships, and overall quality of life. You may also be a parent seeking support for a child struggling with attention, behavior, or emotional regulation, or caring for an older loved one navigating memory, mood, or adjustment challenges. You want a thoughtful, individualized approach that brings relief, restores hope, and helps you or your loved one move forward with confidence.
You may be doing your best to keep up while feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from yourself. Ongoing anxiety, low mood, trauma, focus challenges, or sleep problems may be affecting your work, relationships, and overall quality of life. You may also be a parent seeking support for a child struggling with attention, behavior, or emotional regulation, or caring for an older loved one navigating memory, mood, or adjustment challenges. You want a thoughtful, individualized approach that brings relief, restores hope, and helps you or your loved one move forward with confidence.
Optimize Psychiatry offers a modern & natural approach to psychiatry that is Personalized, Holistic, Functional & Scientifically Informed. We take a root-cause analytic approach to each client's unique biochemistry, genetics & psychological factors and work to align physiology, neurology, and psychodynamics by incorporating insights from various disciplines within and outside of medicine. Our goal is always to help you retrieve or discover your Optimized Self through insight and future-driven change designed to improve your health across life domains and aligned with your deepest values. (More details at optimizepsychiatry.com)
Optimize Psychiatry offers a modern & natural approach to psychiatry that is Personalized, Holistic, Functional & Scientifically Informed. We take a root-cause analytic approach to each client's unique biochemistry, genetics & psychological factors and work to align physiology, neurology, and psychodynamics by incorporating insights from various disciplines within and outside of medicine. Our goal is always to help you retrieve or discover your Optimized Self through insight and future-driven change designed to improve your health across life domains and aligned with your deepest values. (More details at optimizepsychiatry.com)
You may feel anxious, emotionally drained, disconnected, or out of balance. Stress may be affecting your sleep, focus, mood, or sense of meaning. You might be functioning day to day, yet internally something feels off. You want more than symptom control—you want clarity, emotional steadiness, and a deeper sense of well-being. Your goal is to feel grounded, regain control of your mental health, and live with greater ease and balance.
You may feel anxious, emotionally drained, disconnected, or out of balance. Stress may be affecting your sleep, focus, mood, or sense of meaning. You might be functioning day to day, yet internally something feels off. You want more than symptom control—you want clarity, emotional steadiness, and a deeper sense of well-being. Your goal is to feel grounded, regain control of your mental health, and live with greater ease and balance.
At Mae Mental Wellness, my goal is to work collaboratively with my patients to develop a treatment plan that will result in improved mental wellness. I am a highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with diverse expertise. I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and am board certified in psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing, an ADHD-certified clinical services provider, certified in family trauma therapy, emergency, critical care nursing and am a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who stands at the forefront of advanced nursing practice and quality improvement in mental health care.
At Mae Mental Wellness, my goal is to work collaboratively with my patients to develop a treatment plan that will result in improved mental wellness. I am a highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with diverse expertise. I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and am board certified in psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing, an ADHD-certified clinical services provider, certified in family trauma therapy, emergency, critical care nursing and am a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who stands at the forefront of advanced nursing practice and quality improvement in mental health care.
See more therapy options for 59901
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 59901
20+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in 59901 who prioritize treating:
| 100% | Depression |
| 100% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 85% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 85% | Medication Management |
| 81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 77% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
| 79% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 79% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 59901 see their clients
| 62% | Online Only | |
| 38% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 61% | Female | |
| 39% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 59901?
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.


