Psychiatrists in 75040
Andrea Yoshiko Carter is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her academic journey continued at Walden University, where she obtained a Masters Degree.
Andrea Yoshiko Carter is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her academic journey continued at Walden University, where she obtained a Masters Degree.
If you live in Dallas, Ellis, Navarro, or Kaufman County and don’t have health insurance, this message is for you. We’ve partnered with your county to provide free psychiatry services for residents who need care but can’t afford it. Are you feeling weighed down by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia—and wishing someone would truly listen and understand? You don’t have to carry this burden alone. I’m here to walk beside you, helping you regain stability, peace, and hope. Mental health is real, and so is recovery. With over 10 years of experience in psychiatric and medical care.
If you live in Dallas, Ellis, Navarro, or Kaufman County and don’t have health insurance, this message is for you. We’ve partnered with your county to provide free psychiatry services for residents who need care but can’t afford it. Are you feeling weighed down by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia—and wishing someone would truly listen and understand? You don’t have to carry this burden alone. I’m here to walk beside you, helping you regain stability, peace, and hope. Mental health is real, and so is recovery. With over 10 years of experience in psychiatric and medical care.
Close the Open Tabs in Your Mind. Reclaim Your Energy for What Actually Matters.
I’m a dual-certified Family (2009) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, (2020) and I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I know that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but together we can explore your strengths, address your concerns, and create a plan for growth and healing. You deserve to feel balanced, empowered, and truly well.
Close the Open Tabs in Your Mind. Reclaim Your Energy for What Actually Matters.
I’m a dual-certified Family (2009) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, (2020) and I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I know that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but together we can explore your strengths, address your concerns, and create a plan for growth and healing. You deserve to feel balanced, empowered, and truly well.
You might be the guy who’s holding it together on the outside—or the one still figuring things out. Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, isolation, or pressure to “be more.” I work with men in all stages of life—college-aged, career-driven, or somewhere in between—who want more ease, clarity, and confidence in how they think, feel, and connect with others. While I welcome all genders, I have a special focus on men’s mental health, especially those ready to do the work it takes to grow.
You might be the guy who’s holding it together on the outside—or the one still figuring things out. Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, isolation, or pressure to “be more.” I work with men in all stages of life—college-aged, career-driven, or somewhere in between—who want more ease, clarity, and confidence in how they think, feel, and connect with others. While I welcome all genders, I have a special focus on men’s mental health, especially those ready to do the work it takes to grow.
Dr. Kimberly Arthur-Mensah @ Hamada Healing Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Garland, TX 75040
Available AFTER-HOURS & Weekends - Accepting New Clients. I'm Dr. Kimberly Arthur-Mensah, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion for supporting both children and adults who are facing a range of mental and physical health challenges. I hold my Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing from Ohio State University.
Available AFTER-HOURS & Weekends - Accepting New Clients. I'm Dr. Kimberly Arthur-Mensah, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion for supporting both children and adults who are facing a range of mental and physical health challenges. I hold my Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing from Ohio State University.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Citadel Behavioral Health Services provides outpatient psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, consultation, medication management, and brief focused therapy services. We are open Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Citadel Behavioral Health Services provides outpatient psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, consultation, medication management, and brief focused therapy services. We are open Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
The mission of our practice is to provide Person-Centered Care and empower our clients with the knowledge and skills to achieve their desirable goals. We strive to provide the highest quality evidence-based, compassionate care through a combination of medication management and customized psychotherapy to help patients/families overcome their most difficult challenges and achieve their greatest goals to lead their most joyful, fulfilling lives.
The mission of our practice is to provide Person-Centered Care and empower our clients with the knowledge and skills to achieve their desirable goals. We strive to provide the highest quality evidence-based, compassionate care through a combination of medication management and customized psychotherapy to help patients/families overcome their most difficult challenges and achieve their greatest goals to lead their most joyful, fulfilling lives.
Hi! I graduate from UT Dallas and attend medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. As a DO, I am uniquely positioned to bring together pharmacology and lifestyle recommendations for a more holistic approach to care. I complete my residency training at UMKC in psychiatry and am fellowship-trained in child and adolescent psychiatry at UT Southwestern. I'm board certiried in Adult as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Hi! I graduate from UT Dallas and attend medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. As a DO, I am uniquely positioned to bring together pharmacology and lifestyle recommendations for a more holistic approach to care. I complete my residency training at UMKC in psychiatry and am fellowship-trained in child and adolescent psychiatry at UT Southwestern. I'm board certiried in Adult as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** Dr. Randal McIntyre has been practicing Adult Psychiatry for over thirty years. He was raised in Midland, Texas. He holds a BA - Biology from The University of Texas - Austin, and an MD from The University of Texas Medical School - Houston. He did his internship in Family Practice at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Subsequently, he completed residence n General and Child Psychiatry at UTHCSC-Houston. He is Boarded Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** Dr. Randal McIntyre has been practicing Adult Psychiatry for over thirty years. He was raised in Midland, Texas. He holds a BA - Biology from The University of Texas - Austin, and an MD from The University of Texas Medical School - Houston. He did his internship in Family Practice at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Subsequently, he completed residence n General and Child Psychiatry at UTHCSC-Houston. He is Boarded Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health challenges? I help kids, teens, and adults find clarity, confidence, and relief through holistic, personalized treatment. Whether it’s difficulty focusing, persistent worry, overwhelming stress, or burnout, these struggles can make daily life exhausting. You don’t have to face them alone. Together, we’ll build the tools you need to manage emotions, strengthen resilience, and regain a sense of control—so you can move forward with confidence and ease.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health challenges? I help kids, teens, and adults find clarity, confidence, and relief through holistic, personalized treatment. Whether it’s difficulty focusing, persistent worry, overwhelming stress, or burnout, these struggles can make daily life exhausting. You don’t have to face them alone. Together, we’ll build the tools you need to manage emotions, strengthen resilience, and regain a sense of control—so you can move forward with confidence and ease.
We provide personalized treatment for various psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, DMDD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders across all age-groups. By combining modern and holistic medicine, we strive to find the perfect balance of various therapeutic modalities to promote well-being and happiness of our patients and their families. We also provide genetic testing for our existing clients.
We provide personalized treatment for various psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, DMDD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders across all age-groups. By combining modern and holistic medicine, we strive to find the perfect balance of various therapeutic modalities to promote well-being and happiness of our patients and their families. We also provide genetic testing for our existing clients.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burned out, or disconnected? Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, or life transitions, you don’t have to face it alone. I help children, adolescents, professionals, athletes, and perinatal women find balance and regain control. My integrative approach blends therapy, medication, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), spirituality, mindfulness, lifestyle coaching, nutrition, and lab testing to create a personalized path to healing. I offer virtual care in TX, NY, MA, and CA, with in-person OMT available in TX. Let’s work together to help you feel like yourself again!
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burned out, or disconnected? Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, or life transitions, you don’t have to face it alone. I help children, adolescents, professionals, athletes, and perinatal women find balance and regain control. My integrative approach blends therapy, medication, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), spirituality, mindfulness, lifestyle coaching, nutrition, and lab testing to create a personalized path to healing. I offer virtual care in TX, NY, MA, and CA, with in-person OMT available in TX. Let’s work together to help you feel like yourself again!
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! ONLINE VISITS AVAILABLE ACROSS TEXAS. The thought of being all alone in a negative cycle that may be a result of anxiety, trauma, depression, unhealthy coping skills, and/or environmental stressors can be daunting. The treatment for most mental illness is effective therapy. However, some need a little more than therapy. How would you know if you could benefit from medications? If you have been suffering for a long time in a limited and/or negative cycle, most likely your brain will need some help; the right psychotropic medication will help improve your symptoms.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! ONLINE VISITS AVAILABLE ACROSS TEXAS. The thought of being all alone in a negative cycle that may be a result of anxiety, trauma, depression, unhealthy coping skills, and/or environmental stressors can be daunting. The treatment for most mental illness is effective therapy. However, some need a little more than therapy. How would you know if you could benefit from medications? If you have been suffering for a long time in a limited and/or negative cycle, most likely your brain will need some help; the right psychotropic medication will help improve your symptoms.
Over the years, I've honed my skills in inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. My true passion lies in mental health, and I'm committed to delivering high-quality and empathetic mental health and primary care services to individuals of all ages. I currently provide care to patients in Oklahoma, addressing conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and various other behavioral health concerns, in addition to general primary care.
Over the years, I've honed my skills in inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. My true passion lies in mental health, and I'm committed to delivering high-quality and empathetic mental health and primary care services to individuals of all ages. I currently provide care to patients in Oklahoma, addressing conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and various other behavioral health concerns, in addition to general primary care.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care through a holistic and patient-centered approach. My goal is to help individuals gain balance, clarity, and a deeper understanding of themselves while managing mental health challenges.
I treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related concerns. I believe in looking at the whole person—mind, body, and environment—and integrating medication management with supportive therapy, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness-based strategies.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care through a holistic and patient-centered approach. My goal is to help individuals gain balance, clarity, and a deeper understanding of themselves while managing mental health challenges.
I treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related concerns. I believe in looking at the whole person—mind, body, and environment—and integrating medication management with supportive therapy, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness-based strategies.
Brenda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, FNP-BC
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
ACCEPT new patients within 48 hours! I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 21 years of overall nursing experience. I am passionate and mindful about focusing on each unique individual story. I cherish the individualized approach to mental wellbeing and overall health. Thrives in the process of building relationships with individuals and tailoring evidence-based practices for each patient are crucial for treatment effectiveness. Promotes empowering patients to discover their own strengths and achieve their personal goals by incorporation of patients’ perspectives as appropriate.
ACCEPT new patients within 48 hours! I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 21 years of overall nursing experience. I am passionate and mindful about focusing on each unique individual story. I cherish the individualized approach to mental wellbeing and overall health. Thrives in the process of building relationships with individuals and tailoring evidence-based practices for each patient are crucial for treatment effectiveness. Promotes empowering patients to discover their own strengths and achieve their personal goals by incorporation of patients’ perspectives as appropriate.
I know your time is valuable. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with Fellowships in Psychoanalysis and Mindfulness based treatments. I provide individualized treatment for those dealing with concerns about mood, anxiety, or struggles in one or more areas of life. While I offer short sessions of psychiatric care, my area of expertise is long sessions integrating treatments such as psychoanalysis talk therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and medications when indicated.
I know your time is valuable. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with Fellowships in Psychoanalysis and Mindfulness based treatments. I provide individualized treatment for those dealing with concerns about mood, anxiety, or struggles in one or more areas of life. While I offer short sessions of psychiatric care, my area of expertise is long sessions integrating treatments such as psychoanalysis talk therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and medications when indicated.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with dedication and commitment to provide care and treatment plan that is holistic and best suits your needs. It is important to me that you experience hope, feel empowered, and reassured that your overall health will get better after each session with me. I am devoted, accessible, professional and available; and please be assured that services provided are affordable.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with dedication and commitment to provide care and treatment plan that is holistic and best suits your needs. It is important to me that you experience hope, feel empowered, and reassured that your overall health will get better after each session with me. I am devoted, accessible, professional and available; and please be assured that services provided are affordable.
See more therapy options for 75040
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 75040
20+
Average cost per session
$155
Psychiatrists in 75040 who prioritize treating:
| 95% | Depression |
| 90% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Medication Management |
| 80% | ADHD |
| 80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 80% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 75% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 100% | Aetna |
| 94% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 75040 see their clients
| 60% | In Person and Online | |
| 40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 67% | Female | |
| 33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 75040?
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.


