Psychiatrists in 60083

Hi and great to meet you, I'm Dr. Hayatghaib! I grew up in Northern California where I had my first exposure to mental health seeing my mother work as a clinical social worker growing up. I went to medical school at Drexel University in Philadelphia and completed my Psychiatric residency training at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL. During my residency I received the Chandra Gupta Award for Collegiality and Humanity for service to my fellow residents. I have also worked for the Amen Clinics and completed training on SPECT brain imaging clinical interpretation. I have experience using nutritional supplements as well.
Hi and great to meet you, I'm Dr. Hayatghaib! I grew up in Northern California where I had my first exposure to mental health seeing my mother work as a clinical social worker growing up. I went to medical school at Drexel University in Philadelphia and completed my Psychiatric residency training at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL. During my residency I received the Chandra Gupta Award for Collegiality and Humanity for service to my fellow residents. I have also worked for the Amen Clinics and completed training on SPECT brain imaging clinical interpretation. I have experience using nutritional supplements as well.
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Temitope "Temi" Olutade, PMHNP-BC Temitope "Temi" Olutade is a passionate and dedicated Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Illinois. With a deep commitment to providing high-quality mental health care, she is driven by a strong belief in the importance of mental wellness and holistic healing. Temi's approach to mental health care is founded on empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practice. She works with individuals across the lifespan to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.
Temitope "Temi" Olutade, PMHNP-BC Temitope "Temi" Olutade is a passionate and dedicated Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Illinois. With a deep commitment to providing high-quality mental health care, she is driven by a strong belief in the importance of mental wellness and holistic healing. Temi's approach to mental health care is founded on empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practice. She works with individuals across the lifespan to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.

I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong passion for helping patients achieve their mental health goals. I believe in treating patients as whole individuals, addressing both their physical and mental health needs in a holistic manner.
I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong passion for helping patients achieve their mental health goals. I believe in treating patients as whole individuals, addressing both their physical and mental health needs in a holistic manner.

Kalindi Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience of psychiatry across the lifespan. I value the importance of individualizing each patients’ care based on assessment data. I will then provide therapeutic interventions as necessary specific to that patient.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience of psychiatry across the lifespan. I value the importance of individualizing each patients’ care based on assessment data. I will then provide therapeutic interventions as necessary specific to that patient.

Jennifer Weldon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Jennifer has experience treating patients with a multitude of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, schizophrenia, dementia, grief, stress, and substance use, and believes in treating symptoms through a variety of means. She also has extensive experience addressing women’s mental health and LGBTQ-related concerns, ensuring inclusive and supportive care for these communities. She prides herself in being a strong patient advocate and providing compassionate care. Jennifer is dedicated to meeting her patients where they are in their treatment and recovery.
Jennifer has experience treating patients with a multitude of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, schizophrenia, dementia, grief, stress, and substance use, and believes in treating symptoms through a variety of means. She also has extensive experience addressing women’s mental health and LGBTQ-related concerns, ensuring inclusive and supportive care for these communities. She prides herself in being a strong patient advocate and providing compassionate care. Jennifer is dedicated to meeting her patients where they are in their treatment and recovery.

Amy Wasserman
Psychiatric Nurse, MPH, PMHNP, APRN, CNM, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether you are seeking preconception consultation, experiencing new or worsening perinatal mood/anxiety symptoms or managing mood changes related to hormonal transitions during your lifetime (i.e. puberty, lactation weaning, fertility treatments, perimenopause or starting gender-affirming hormones), my goal is to ensure you feel safe to share your story and be informed and knowledgeable about all your options. Together we will develop a treatment plan that aligns with your values and identities. This may include lifestyle changes, supplements, alternative and complementary therapies, psychotherapeutic and/or pharmacologic options.
Whether you are seeking preconception consultation, experiencing new or worsening perinatal mood/anxiety symptoms or managing mood changes related to hormonal transitions during your lifetime (i.e. puberty, lactation weaning, fertility treatments, perimenopause or starting gender-affirming hormones), my goal is to ensure you feel safe to share your story and be informed and knowledgeable about all your options. Together we will develop a treatment plan that aligns with your values and identities. This may include lifestyle changes, supplements, alternative and complementary therapies, psychotherapeutic and/or pharmacologic options.

Dr. Rayal Gorrepati is double board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 12 years. Dr. Gorrepati's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Gorrepati may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best possible outcome.
Dr. Rayal Gorrepati is double board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 12 years. Dr. Gorrepati's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Gorrepati may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best possible outcome.

Dr. Laura Rosas is an adult psychiatrist at Talkiatry who practices compassionate, patient-centered care. As a multiracial psychiatrist, she serves diverse communities and focuses on treatment plans that respect each patient’s background. She treats various diagnoses, including trauma, mood, personality, and eating disorders, with a particular interest in the student and LGBTQ+ communities.
Dr. Laura Rosas is an adult psychiatrist at Talkiatry who practices compassionate, patient-centered care. As a multiracial psychiatrist, she serves diverse communities and focuses on treatment plans that respect each patient’s background. She treats various diagnoses, including trauma, mood, personality, and eating disorders, with a particular interest in the student and LGBTQ+ communities.

Grace Roxas is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and board certified family nurse practitioner. Her treatment approach begins with patient education and using evidence-based treatment options.
Grace Roxas is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and board certified family nurse practitioner. Her treatment approach begins with patient education and using evidence-based treatment options.

Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.

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.

I have expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD/ trauma, OCD, and sleep/wakefulness disorders. Additionally, I offer support for individuals struggling with obesity and related mental health concerns. when treating any condition, I prioritize creating mutual goals with my patients. Oftentimes, patients visit a psychiatric provider and don’t feel they had a voice in their treatment. My passion is helping my patients achieve their goals. In other words, your goals are my goals too. I want you to feel heard and feel we are working towards what you want in treatment.
I have expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD/ trauma, OCD, and sleep/wakefulness disorders. Additionally, I offer support for individuals struggling with obesity and related mental health concerns. when treating any condition, I prioritize creating mutual goals with my patients. Oftentimes, patients visit a psychiatric provider and don’t feel they had a voice in their treatment. My passion is helping my patients achieve their goals. In other words, your goals are my goals too. I want you to feel heard and feel we are working towards what you want in treatment.

Grant Tyler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156
I am a Nurse Practitioner with more than two decades of experience in the medical field, specializing in mental health services since 2014. My focus includes treating anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring a unique perspective to patient care, combining my background in primary care and preventative medicine with my expertise in mental health.
I am a Nurse Practitioner with more than two decades of experience in the medical field, specializing in mental health services since 2014. My focus includes treating anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring a unique perspective to patient care, combining my background in primary care and preventative medicine with my expertise in mental health.

David Flowers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Skokie, IL 60077
I accept new clients for virtual and in-person visits. I am looking to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide clients with a combination of Western Medicine treatment options, as well as evidence-based holistic approaches in order to develop an individualized treatment plan for each client and help them reach their optimal health. Through my billing partner Headway clients can see exactly what their copay is and progress on their deductible so they always have price transparency. ADHD assessments require an in person appointment. Validated online tool for the diagnosis of adult ADHD and Autism available.
I accept new clients for virtual and in-person visits. I am looking to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide clients with a combination of Western Medicine treatment options, as well as evidence-based holistic approaches in order to develop an individualized treatment plan for each client and help them reach their optimal health. Through my billing partner Headway clients can see exactly what their copay is and progress on their deductible so they always have price transparency. ADHD assessments require an in person appointment. Validated online tool for the diagnosis of adult ADHD and Autism available.

Synergy Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! I am Doris, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am committed to providing equitable and compassionate psychiatric care to children and adults ages 5 to 65. In my treatment approach, the patient's input is crucial to creating a therapeutic partnership and improving outcomes. I rely on the patient-centered care model in my treatment approach as it offers many perspectives and includes the patient in the decision-making and treatment-planning process. My approach takes into consideration your developmental and bio-psycho-social histories and how they contribute to illness.
Hello! I am Doris, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am committed to providing equitable and compassionate psychiatric care to children and adults ages 5 to 65. In my treatment approach, the patient's input is crucial to creating a therapeutic partnership and improving outcomes. I rely on the patient-centered care model in my treatment approach as it offers many perspectives and includes the patient in the decision-making and treatment-planning process. My approach takes into consideration your developmental and bio-psycho-social histories and how they contribute to illness.

I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 12 years in psychiatric and behavioral health settings. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders. I tend to be practical and hands-on rather than presuming or committing to one treatment approach. My goal is to work with you to find what works best for you. I provide urgent & routine telehealth Psychiatric services that is interactive, urgent and seamless; such that fosters continuity of care while improving access to patient's in need.
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 12 years in psychiatric and behavioral health settings. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders. I tend to be practical and hands-on rather than presuming or committing to one treatment approach. My goal is to work with you to find what works best for you. I provide urgent & routine telehealth Psychiatric services that is interactive, urgent and seamless; such that fosters continuity of care while improving access to patient's in need.

Joan Ajide is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Illinois, with a broad focus on treating a variety of psychiatric disorders across different age groups, particularly adolescents and adults. Her areas of special interest include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. Joan emphasizes a holistic approach to care, combining evidence-based pharmacotherapy with intensive psychoeducation to improve emotional well-being. She views the relationship with her clients as a partnership, empowering them to take ownership of their mental health.
Joan Ajide is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Illinois, with a broad focus on treating a variety of psychiatric disorders across different age groups, particularly adolescents and adults. Her areas of special interest include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. Joan emphasizes a holistic approach to care, combining evidence-based pharmacotherapy with intensive psychoeducation to improve emotional well-being. She views the relationship with her clients as a partnership, empowering them to take ownership of their mental health.

Candice | Anxiety Depression Ptsd | Sgb | Ketamine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am Candice Schrodetzki, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Stella Mental Health with over 10 years of experience in the field. I'm accepting intake appointments for new patients experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression. At Stella, we take a holistic approach to mental health care by incorporating advanced biological treatments with modern-day therapies. If you're interested in our highly effective treatments like the dual sympathetic reset - an advanced stellate ganglion block (SGB) - you can schedule an intake appointment with me directly.
I am Candice Schrodetzki, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Stella Mental Health with over 10 years of experience in the field. I'm accepting intake appointments for new patients experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression. At Stella, we take a holistic approach to mental health care by incorporating advanced biological treatments with modern-day therapies. If you're interested in our highly effective treatments like the dual sympathetic reset - an advanced stellate ganglion block (SGB) - you can schedule an intake appointment with me directly.

Allyson Guzman Monelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, FPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Hey there, I'm Ally- and yes, you guessed it, I prefer Ally over the whole "Allyson" thing. I've been a nurse practitioner for a few years now, but let me take you on a journey from where it all began. Picture this: I was a mere 15-year old diving into the world of healthcare as a dietary aide at Alexian Village. Yeah, that's right, I started right at the bottom, soaking up the experiences like a sponge. Fast forward a bit, and I found myself rocking new titles of CNA, PCT, and eventually a full-fledged registered nurse. It's like that song "Started from the Bottom," and trust me, I can hum it in my sleep.
Hey there, I'm Ally- and yes, you guessed it, I prefer Ally over the whole "Allyson" thing. I've been a nurse practitioner for a few years now, but let me take you on a journey from where it all began. Picture this: I was a mere 15-year old diving into the world of healthcare as a dietary aide at Alexian Village. Yeah, that's right, I started right at the bottom, soaking up the experiences like a sponge. Fast forward a bit, and I found myself rocking new titles of CNA, PCT, and eventually a full-fledged registered nurse. It's like that song "Started from the Bottom," and trust me, I can hum it in my sleep.

Jeff K. Abbott, MD is a ABPN board certified psychiatrist. He graduated medical school from UT Southwestern, and completed psychiatry residency training as Chief Resident from Northwestern University. He has received numerous awards for education, merit, and continues to teach trainees at Northwestern.
Jeff K. Abbott, MD is a ABPN board certified psychiatrist. He graduated medical school from UT Southwestern, and completed psychiatry residency training as Chief Resident from Northwestern University. He has received numerous awards for education, merit, and continues to teach trainees at Northwestern.
See more therapy options for 60083
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 60083
< 10
Psychiatrists in 60083 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 60083 see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 60083?
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.