Psychiatrists in 74135

I am a mother of many children, and a mental health nurse practitioner. From an early age, I had a passion for helping people find their purpose and live to their full potential. This passion led her to pursue a career in nursing and mental health care.
Over the course of her career, Judy has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including at a jail, private and public hospitals, and a private clinic. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues and has fueled her desire to provide compassionate care and supportive therapy.
I am a mother of many children, and a mental health nurse practitioner. From an early age, I had a passion for helping people find their purpose and live to their full potential. This passion led her to pursue a career in nursing and mental health care.
Over the course of her career, Judy has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including at a jail, private and public hospitals, and a private clinic. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues and has fueled her desire to provide compassionate care and supportive therapy.

I am Benjamin Wagga, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My passion is helping individuals find balance, clarity, and resilience in their mental health journey. I provide evidence-based care in a supportive and compassionate environment, tailoring treatment to your unique needs. With a background in military and nursing and mental health, I offer effective treatment and management of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. My approach integrates psychotherapy and medication management to support patients in achieving mental wellness. I believe in a holistic, patient-centered approach.
I am Benjamin Wagga, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My passion is helping individuals find balance, clarity, and resilience in their mental health journey. I provide evidence-based care in a supportive and compassionate environment, tailoring treatment to your unique needs. With a background in military and nursing and mental health, I offer effective treatment and management of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. My approach integrates psychotherapy and medication management to support patients in achieving mental wellness. I believe in a holistic, patient-centered approach.

Welcome to VPPclinic.com ... As an experienced Psychiatrist in private practice, inpatient and telehealth settings, I'm here to offer authentic, compassionate care. Time is precious, especially for busy students, parents, and working professionals. I look forward to collaborate to reach your goals ASAP! ... Same week Video appointments are available statewide in Oklahoma. Text 469-770-7750 for quick booking assist.
Welcome to VPPclinic.com ... As an experienced Psychiatrist in private practice, inpatient and telehealth settings, I'm here to offer authentic, compassionate care. Time is precious, especially for busy students, parents, and working professionals. I look forward to collaborate to reach your goals ASAP! ... Same week Video appointments are available statewide in Oklahoma. Text 469-770-7750 for quick booking assist.

Kendall Roberson is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, offering medication management and IOP services to children, adolescents, and young adults across Oklahoma. With a warm, empathetic approach and clinical expertise, Kendall works alongside individuals and families to help navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. She is committed to fostering mental wellness through personalized treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their needs.
Kendall Roberson is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, offering medication management and IOP services to children, adolescents, and young adults across Oklahoma. With a warm, empathetic approach and clinical expertise, Kendall works alongside individuals and families to help navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. She is committed to fostering mental wellness through personalized treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their needs.
Heather Nelms is a dedicated psychiatric provider serving patients of all ages in Oklahoma. She offers expert medication management to support individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. With a compassionate and individualized approach, Heather works closely with her patients to develop tailored treatment plans that improve emotional well-being and overall quality of life. She is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where individuals can feel empowered on their journey toward mental wellness.
Heather Nelms is a dedicated psychiatric provider serving patients of all ages in Oklahoma. She offers expert medication management to support individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. With a compassionate and individualized approach, Heather works closely with her patients to develop tailored treatment plans that improve emotional well-being and overall quality of life. She is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where individuals can feel empowered on their journey toward mental wellness.

Dr. Heath Mueller is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed both her Bachelor of Science degree and her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Oklahoma. Following completion of her medical training, she completed four years of training in general psychiatry at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. While in residency she gained additional experience in psychiatric crisis management while moonlighting at the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health.
Dr. Heath Mueller is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed both her Bachelor of Science degree and her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Oklahoma. Following completion of her medical training, she completed four years of training in general psychiatry at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. While in residency she gained additional experience in psychiatric crisis management while moonlighting at the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health.

Casee Collins, NP, RN, is a dedicated prescriber serving individuals across Oklahoma with a compassionate and patientcentered approach to care. Specializing in medication management, Casee helps adults and seniors navigate mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Her goal is to empower patients to achieve balance and stability by creating personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs. With a passion for supporting individuals during lifes most significant transitions, Casee works closely with those experiencing grief, trauma, and postpartum mental health concerns.
Casee Collins, NP, RN, is a dedicated prescriber serving individuals across Oklahoma with a compassionate and patientcentered approach to care. Specializing in medication management, Casee helps adults and seniors navigate mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Her goal is to empower patients to achieve balance and stability by creating personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs. With a passion for supporting individuals during lifes most significant transitions, Casee works closely with those experiencing grief, trauma, and postpartum mental health concerns.

Dale N. Switzer is a Psychiatrist in Oklahoma who has been practicing since 2016. He earned his Physician’s degree from Oklahoma State University, Center for Health Sciences and is a graduate of University of Missouri Kansas City Psychiatry Residency (Go Chiefs!). Dale believes in treating the whole person, including the understanding of your spiritual needs and desired improvements. The ability to live the way you want to live – to be the friend, or the father, mother, brother, or sister that you want to be is critical.
Dale N. Switzer is a Psychiatrist in Oklahoma who has been practicing since 2016. He earned his Physician’s degree from Oklahoma State University, Center for Health Sciences and is a graduate of University of Missouri Kansas City Psychiatry Residency (Go Chiefs!). Dale believes in treating the whole person, including the understanding of your spiritual needs and desired improvements. The ability to live the way you want to live – to be the friend, or the father, mother, brother, or sister that you want to be is critical.

Rebecca Cline is a dual board-certified Nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2011. She graduated from Graceland University in Independence, Missouri with a post master's degree in Family Nurse Practitioner. She later extended her scope of practice after attending The University of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, Ohio with a post master's certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Rebecca believes in a collaborative, interdisciplinary care approach for the best practice outcomes for her patients.
Rebecca Cline is a dual board-certified Nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2011. She graduated from Graceland University in Independence, Missouri with a post master's degree in Family Nurse Practitioner. She later extended her scope of practice after attending The University of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, Ohio with a post master's certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Rebecca believes in a collaborative, interdisciplinary care approach for the best practice outcomes for her patients.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Accepting New Patients from Oklahoma!
Welcome! ...As an experienced Psychiatrist in private practice, inpatient and telehealth settings, I'm here to offer authentic, compassionate care. Time is precious, especially for busy students, parents, and working professionals. I look forward to collaborate to reach your goals ASAP! ... Same week Video appointments are available. Text 469-770-7750 for quick booking assist.
Accepting New Patients from Oklahoma!
Welcome! ...As an experienced Psychiatrist in private practice, inpatient and telehealth settings, I'm here to offer authentic, compassionate care. Time is precious, especially for busy students, parents, and working professionals. I look forward to collaborate to reach your goals ASAP! ... Same week Video appointments are available. Text 469-770-7750 for quick booking assist.

Accepting new patients. Brenda is an Adult Geriatric (Primary Care) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated summa cum laude from Regis College and Oral Roberts University with her MSN and BSN, respectively. Brenda approaches each patient as a unique, extraordinary individual facilitating a whole-person, patient-centered approach. Although medication interventions are discussed, Brenda also encourages other appropriate modalities for optimal mental health, including a healthy lifestyle. She is happily married and enjoys visiting the ocean, snorkeling, cycling, and music.
Accepting new patients. Brenda is an Adult Geriatric (Primary Care) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated summa cum laude from Regis College and Oral Roberts University with her MSN and BSN, respectively. Brenda approaches each patient as a unique, extraordinary individual facilitating a whole-person, patient-centered approach. Although medication interventions are discussed, Brenda also encourages other appropriate modalities for optimal mental health, including a healthy lifestyle. She is happily married and enjoys visiting the ocean, snorkeling, cycling, and music.

Rachael Touma is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing career began at the University of Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She holds an additional Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern State University. Professionally, Rachael has a diverse resume.
Rachael Touma is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing career began at the University of Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She holds an additional Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern State University. Professionally, Rachael has a diverse resume.

John Levi Stanford is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), specializing in treating mental health across the lifespan. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma before going on to earn his Master of Science in Nursing as a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His love and passion for psychiatric care of patients began before nursing school when he was able to shadow psychiatrists and psychiatric-nurse practitioners that served as mentors.
John Levi Stanford is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), specializing in treating mental health across the lifespan. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma before going on to earn his Master of Science in Nursing as a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His love and passion for psychiatric care of patients began before nursing school when he was able to shadow psychiatrists and psychiatric-nurse practitioners that served as mentors.

Disclaimer: By personal choice, under no circumstances will I prescribe any controlled substances including but not limited to Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Valium, or opioids.
Hogg Health is my vision of the most effective way to help others live meaningful lives with optimal mental health. I want to provide support and encouragement for people to shed unneeded emotional baggage that might be holding them back and wholeheartedly participate in a life that feels productive and meaningful. In my clinic, you will receive a 60-minute intake appointment and 30- or 60-minute follow ups to ensure you don't feel rushed.
Disclaimer: By personal choice, under no circumstances will I prescribe any controlled substances including but not limited to Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Valium, or opioids.
Hogg Health is my vision of the most effective way to help others live meaningful lives with optimal mental health. I want to provide support and encouragement for people to shed unneeded emotional baggage that might be holding them back and wholeheartedly participate in a life that feels productive and meaningful. In my clinic, you will receive a 60-minute intake appointment and 30- or 60-minute follow ups to ensure you don't feel rushed.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I serve patients with mental health needs of all ages, and treat Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism spectrum, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, Weight loss, Obesity, and other mental health disorders. I do telehealth services in all parts of Oklahoma with accessible and personalized mental health care, including prescriptive medication management, psychiatric evaluation, talk therapy, and other mental health needs right at the comfort of your own home or wherever you might be.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I serve patients with mental health needs of all ages, and treat Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism spectrum, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, Weight loss, Obesity, and other mental health disorders. I do telehealth services in all parts of Oklahoma with accessible and personalized mental health care, including prescriptive medication management, psychiatric evaluation, talk therapy, and other mental health needs right at the comfort of your own home or wherever you might be.

Psychiatric Wellness APRN-CNP PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNP, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Tulsa, OK 74114
Psychiatric Wellness provides integrative psychiatric care, a method that is a whole-body, approach that utilizes nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, supplements and medications as needed to ensure your well-being and optimize outcomes for each patient. Psychiatric Wellness provides therapeutic treatments using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and ImTT (Image transformation therapy) to help patients reduce anxiety and heal from trauma. We have multiple providers including board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioners and Licensed professional counselors.
Psychiatric Wellness provides integrative psychiatric care, a method that is a whole-body, approach that utilizes nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, supplements and medications as needed to ensure your well-being and optimize outcomes for each patient. Psychiatric Wellness provides therapeutic treatments using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and ImTT (Image transformation therapy) to help patients reduce anxiety and heal from trauma. We have multiple providers including board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioners and Licensed professional counselors.

I serve patients with mental health needs of all ages, and treat Anxiety, Depression, ADHD,Autism spectrum, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, Weight loss, Obesity, and other mental health disorders. I do telehealth services in all parts of Oklahoma with an accessible and personalized mental health care including prescriptive medication management, psychiatric evaluation, talk therapy and other mental health needs right at the comfort of your own home or wherever you might be via telehealth services.
I serve patients with mental health needs of all ages, and treat Anxiety, Depression, ADHD,Autism spectrum, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, Weight loss, Obesity, and other mental health disorders. I do telehealth services in all parts of Oklahoma with an accessible and personalized mental health care including prescriptive medication management, psychiatric evaluation, talk therapy and other mental health needs right at the comfort of your own home or wherever you might be via telehealth services.

Betterway Psychiatry and Psychological Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
1 Endorsed
Tulsa, OK 74147
My name is Abiodun (Abby) Adeyiga. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. At Betterway Psychiatry and Psychological Services, we have many years of experience in providing comprehensive care to acute and chronic mental health patients. We have expertise in creating individualized treatment plans, administering medications, performing mental health assessments and psychological testing. We collaborate strongly with healthcare professionals and other disciplines to ensure quality patient care.
My name is Abiodun (Abby) Adeyiga. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. At Betterway Psychiatry and Psychological Services, we have many years of experience in providing comprehensive care to acute and chronic mental health patients. We have expertise in creating individualized treatment plans, administering medications, performing mental health assessments and psychological testing. We collaborate strongly with healthcare professionals and other disciplines to ensure quality patient care.

We help individuals struggling with ADHD, learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use that impact school, work, relationships, and family life. Our holistic approach restores psychological and physical well-being, empowering clients to overcome challenges, build self-esteem, and achieve lasting success—free from addiction and past trauma. Let us help you regain control and thrive.
We help individuals struggling with ADHD, learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use that impact school, work, relationships, and family life. Our holistic approach restores psychological and physical well-being, empowering clients to overcome challenges, build self-esteem, and achieve lasting success—free from addiction and past trauma. Let us help you regain control and thrive.

I'm a PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan, combining medication management with supportive psychotherapy to promote holistic mental wellness. My focus areas include treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other mood and behavioral health conditions with an emphasis on collaboration and individualized care.
I'm a PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan, combining medication management with supportive psychotherapy to promote holistic mental wellness. My focus areas include treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other mood and behavioral health conditions with an emphasis on collaboration and individualized care.
See more therapy options for 74135
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 74135
< 10
Psychiatrists in 74135 who prioritize treating:
89% | Depression |
89% | Anxiety |
89% | Trauma and PTSD |
89% | Bipolar Disorder |
89% | Medication Management |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 74135 see their clients
89% | In Person and Online | |
11% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 74135?
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.