Psychiatrists in 64145

Yesenia Olmedo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, NP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am currently not accepting new clients due to my upcoming maternity leave in January. I will resume seeing clients in March. If interested, please visit my webpage in February to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to be seen at that time frame.
Do you feel like your medication visits feel rushed? Are you tired of not being considered as a WHOLE person? I provide a holistic approach to care and take a collaborative approach with you to maximize your health outcomes. I am passionate about caring for the whole person, considering each person’s individual life experiences and cultural backgrounds.
I am currently not accepting new clients due to my upcoming maternity leave in January. I will resume seeing clients in March. If interested, please visit my webpage in February to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to be seen at that time frame.
Do you feel like your medication visits feel rushed? Are you tired of not being considered as a WHOLE person? I provide a holistic approach to care and take a collaborative approach with you to maximize your health outcomes. I am passionate about caring for the whole person, considering each person’s individual life experiences and cultural backgrounds.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

My name is Dr. Vilash Reddy, M.D. I grew up in California and trained at Washington University in St. Louis. I specialize in treating children aged 6 and older in Missouri and Kansas exclusively via telehealth appointments. My average wait time for new patients is 3 weeks. I diagnose and treat a range of developmental, behavioral, and mood disorders. I offer medication management as well as therapy and I believe in using holistic, natural remedies whenever possible. I treat ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, autism, intellectual disability, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc
My name is Dr. Vilash Reddy, M.D. I grew up in California and trained at Washington University in St. Louis. I specialize in treating children aged 6 and older in Missouri and Kansas exclusively via telehealth appointments. My average wait time for new patients is 3 weeks. I diagnose and treat a range of developmental, behavioral, and mood disorders. I offer medication management as well as therapy and I believe in using holistic, natural remedies whenever possible. I treat ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, autism, intellectual disability, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc

Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Independence, MO 64055
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.

My name is Dr. Jaya LaFontaine. I am a board certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist, seeing people of all ages. I provide holistic, integrative virtual telepsychiatry services in the state of Missouri. Psychiatric practice has become solely about medicating symptoms rather than addressing the cause. I specialize in reducing polypharmacy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and providing a safe, inclusive, confidential, and compassionate space for my patients who want to heal rather than numb their pain.
My name is Dr. Jaya LaFontaine. I am a board certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist, seeing people of all ages. I provide holistic, integrative virtual telepsychiatry services in the state of Missouri. Psychiatric practice has become solely about medicating symptoms rather than addressing the cause. I specialize in reducing polypharmacy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and providing a safe, inclusive, confidential, and compassionate space for my patients who want to heal rather than numb their pain.

Katie Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisonville, MO 64701
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner with 24 years of combined experience. I help Individuals from age 13 through adulthood who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions, while assisting in working towards relief from unwanted thoughts, decreasing overwhelming guilt, anxiety, relief from nightmares and many other psychiatric symptoms while setting goals of regaining happiness, joy and wonder in their daily lives and restoring healthy productive relationships.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner with 24 years of combined experience. I help Individuals from age 13 through adulthood who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions, while assisting in working towards relief from unwanted thoughts, decreasing overwhelming guilt, anxiety, relief from nightmares and many other psychiatric symptoms while setting goals of regaining happiness, joy and wonder in their daily lives and restoring healthy productive relationships.

I am truly passionate about being a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and believe it to be my calling and purpose in life. While mental health is often overlooked or avoided in the realm of healthcare, I have been drawn to it. I know that every patient is unique and I take pride in tailoring each experience to suit their specific needs. My approach focuses on equipping patients with the necessary tools to long term manage their mental health. I also offer psychotherapy and help with natural alternatives to prescribed medications, like vitamins and supplements. Schedule today to embark on your mental health journey.
I am truly passionate about being a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and believe it to be my calling and purpose in life. While mental health is often overlooked or avoided in the realm of healthcare, I have been drawn to it. I know that every patient is unique and I take pride in tailoring each experience to suit their specific needs. My approach focuses on equipping patients with the necessary tools to long term manage their mental health. I also offer psychotherapy and help with natural alternatives to prescribed medications, like vitamins and supplements. Schedule today to embark on your mental health journey.

Dr. Subbu Sarma, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in addiction medicine. Dr. Sarma received his medical degree in 1999 at the St. Louis University Medical School. Since 2005, he has practiced addiction medicine and treatment methods.
Dr. Subbu Sarma, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in addiction medicine. Dr. Sarma received his medical degree in 1999 at the St. Louis University Medical School. Since 2005, he has practiced addiction medicine and treatment methods.

Madelyn Hindia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Independence, MO 64055
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck—whether it’s due to overwhelming worry, persistent sadness, struggles with focus, or difficulty navigating relationships. They are seeking clarity, relief, and tools to regain control over their life. My clients often want to feel calmer, more confident, and connected to themselves and others. They come to me because they value a provider who listens, cares deeply, and offers practical solutions tailored to their unique needs. Their goal is to find lasting relief and rediscover their inner strength, and my goal is to help them get there.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck—whether it’s due to overwhelming worry, persistent sadness, struggles with focus, or difficulty navigating relationships. They are seeking clarity, relief, and tools to regain control over their life. My clients often want to feel calmer, more confident, and connected to themselves and others. They come to me because they value a provider who listens, cares deeply, and offers practical solutions tailored to their unique needs. Their goal is to find lasting relief and rediscover their inner strength, and my goal is to help them get there.

I completed my residency at KU, and went on to pursue triple board certification in psychiatry, internal medicine, and obesity medicine. I pursued combined training to improve the stigma of psychiatry and bridge the gap. Despite the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, they are often written off and not considered as serious as medical diagnoses. However, both from treating it regularly, as well as my personal battle with bipolar disorder, for example, I know it can be just as debilitating as any medical condition out there. My own mental health journey uniquely allows me to relate and empathize to provide the best care possible.
I completed my residency at KU, and went on to pursue triple board certification in psychiatry, internal medicine, and obesity medicine. I pursued combined training to improve the stigma of psychiatry and bridge the gap. Despite the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, they are often written off and not considered as serious as medical diagnoses. However, both from treating it regularly, as well as my personal battle with bipolar disorder, for example, I know it can be just as debilitating as any medical condition out there. My own mental health journey uniquely allows me to relate and empathize to provide the best care possible.

As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in providing compassionate and comprehensive psychiatric care to marginalized communities where barriers that limit access to quality mental health care have been created. I have a profound passion for working with children and adolescents (ages 5-17), as well as with minority college students and young professionals with spouses and/or children. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved populations, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where my clients feel seen, heard, respected, and valued.
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in providing compassionate and comprehensive psychiatric care to marginalized communities where barriers that limit access to quality mental health care have been created. I have a profound passion for working with children and adolescents (ages 5-17), as well as with minority college students and young professionals with spouses and/or children. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved populations, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where my clients feel seen, heard, respected, and valued.

Amanda Smallmon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisonville, MO 64701
Ideal clients have a desire to live life to the fullest and are ready to work as a team to find the unique plan to meet their goals.
Ideal clients have a desire to live life to the fullest and are ready to work as a team to find the unique plan to meet their goals.

Ask yourself these questions.... Do you have difficulty trying to treat Depression? Tried multiple meds which have failed or been difficult to tolerate? Want an option for depression treatment other than medications? Want to lower the number of medications long term? Have a continued goal of quality of life improvement or possible remission from Depression? If so, consider TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
Ask yourself these questions.... Do you have difficulty trying to treat Depression? Tried multiple meds which have failed or been difficult to tolerate? Want an option for depression treatment other than medications? Want to lower the number of medications long term? Have a continued goal of quality of life improvement or possible remission from Depression? If so, consider TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Accepting NEW patients! With appointments IN-PERSON or TELE-HEALTH. Dr. Willis is a Physician Psychiatrist, dual board-certified in general and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is a real advocate for his patients, and they respond well to his approach. Parents value that Dr. Willis gives adequate time to: build rapport/trust, allow for all participants' voices to be heard, resolve concerns, provide therapy when possible, establish accurate diagnoses, implement effective individualized treatment plans, & safely manage any medications. The result is that all involved feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care.
Accepting NEW patients! With appointments IN-PERSON or TELE-HEALTH. Dr. Willis is a Physician Psychiatrist, dual board-certified in general and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is a real advocate for his patients, and they respond well to his approach. Parents value that Dr. Willis gives adequate time to: build rapport/trust, allow for all participants' voices to be heard, resolve concerns, provide therapy when possible, establish accurate diagnoses, implement effective individualized treatment plans, & safely manage any medications. The result is that all involved feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care.

I believe that psychiatric nurse practitioners have the unique opportunity to provide care that is built upon forming a relationship with the patient. Psychiatric illnesses are complex and require careful assessment that takes into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and developmental aspects of the patient's life.
I believe that psychiatric nurse practitioners have the unique opportunity to provide care that is built upon forming a relationship with the patient. Psychiatric illnesses are complex and require careful assessment that takes into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and developmental aspects of the patient's life.

Cynthia Ruth Heck
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , PMHNP-, BC, LPC-, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Liberty, MO 64068
Hello friend, I am glad you found me. I, too, have sought help for my mental health. I understand the courage it takes to hope, heal, and trust the helpers. No matter how dark it seems now, there is always hope! You do not have to fight alone. It would be my honor to partner with you to help you discover that hope, health, healing, and wholeness is for you too.
Hello friend, I am glad you found me. I, too, have sought help for my mental health. I understand the courage it takes to hope, heal, and trust the helpers. No matter how dark it seems now, there is always hope! You do not have to fight alone. It would be my honor to partner with you to help you discover that hope, health, healing, and wholeness is for you too.

Suzanne Opperman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CADC, CCTP-II, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I focus on providing safe interactive discussions of self evaluation and learning. Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT) is a method of seeing how your thinking leads to your emotions, which can lead to your anxiety and other behaviors. NURSING burnout, workplace violence coaching. Evaluating your past, where your emotions come from, and how those old emotions lead to what you say, do and how you feel now. People don't realize there were past traumatic events in their life. Sometimes people think their younger life was "normal" After learning what/when creates you to become anxious, there are reasons why. I currently do not prescribe.
I focus on providing safe interactive discussions of self evaluation and learning. Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT) is a method of seeing how your thinking leads to your emotions, which can lead to your anxiety and other behaviors. NURSING burnout, workplace violence coaching. Evaluating your past, where your emotions come from, and how those old emotions lead to what you say, do and how you feel now. People don't realize there were past traumatic events in their life. Sometimes people think their younger life was "normal" After learning what/when creates you to become anxious, there are reasons why. I currently do not prescribe.

Dr. Soni elected to work in private practice after witnessing first-hand the dire need for high quality, timely, and accessible, psychiatry services in his community. His treatment philosophy is somewhat unique, in that, Dr. Soni places his primary emphasis on improving his patients overall quality of life. This philosophy allows for treatment that is patient specific or Patient Centered. The Patient Centered Treatment model is evidence based and includes medications when warranted in addition to behavioral and social interventions that are also tailored to the person, and not a one size fits all approach.
Dr. Soni elected to work in private practice after witnessing first-hand the dire need for high quality, timely, and accessible, psychiatry services in his community. His treatment philosophy is somewhat unique, in that, Dr. Soni places his primary emphasis on improving his patients overall quality of life. This philosophy allows for treatment that is patient specific or Patient Centered. The Patient Centered Treatment model is evidence based and includes medications when warranted in addition to behavioral and social interventions that are also tailored to the person, and not a one size fits all approach.

I graduated with my Masters in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty and Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) degrees from Duke University, ranked the best graduate nursing program in the country for the last 5 years. I am an APNA board member in the Kansas chapter, have published research in the Journal of Emergency Nurses, and serve as an adjunct professor in Duke's graduate nursing program. I provide evidence-based care to help people achieve their goals. This includes creating an empathetic, safe environment. Many patients value a treatment approach that is holistic and considers their unique needs.
I graduated with my Masters in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty and Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) degrees from Duke University, ranked the best graduate nursing program in the country for the last 5 years. I am an APNA board member in the Kansas chapter, have published research in the Journal of Emergency Nurses, and serve as an adjunct professor in Duke's graduate nursing program. I provide evidence-based care to help people achieve their goals. This includes creating an empathetic, safe environment. Many patients value a treatment approach that is holistic and considers their unique needs.

Hi, if you are dealing with issues from lack of focus, ability to pay attention. If you are dealing with a form of substance abuse or anxiety. I am here to help. I don't just give you medicine. I work with you to determine if you even need medication. Maybe it's certain vitamins that are missing in your system, we will discover and treat it together. If you are looking for someone who will be attentive to your concerns, I am the right provider for you.
Hi, if you are dealing with issues from lack of focus, ability to pay attention. If you are dealing with a form of substance abuse or anxiety. I am here to help. I don't just give you medicine. I work with you to determine if you even need medication. Maybe it's certain vitamins that are missing in your system, we will discover and treat it together. If you are looking for someone who will be attentive to your concerns, I am the right provider for you.

I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
See more therapy options for 64145
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 64145
< 10
Psychiatrists in 64145 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Life Coaching |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 64145 see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 64145?
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.