Psychiatrists in 78705
Clients seek a provider that understands their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. Clients seek support to enhance their mental well-being. They recognize the importance of addressing mental health issues and are motivated to make positive changes. Whether struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders, they are open to seeking help and ready to engage in a collaborative process. This collaborative approach ensures that the treatment aligns with their unique needs. The client appreciates a provider who actively listens, empathizes, and genuinely cares about their experiences.
Clients seek a provider that understands their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. Clients seek support to enhance their mental well-being. They recognize the importance of addressing mental health issues and are motivated to make positive changes. Whether struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders, they are open to seeking help and ready to engage in a collaborative process. This collaborative approach ensures that the treatment aligns with their unique needs. The client appreciates a provider who actively listens, empathizes, and genuinely cares about their experiences.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Dr. Isela Werchan is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in general psychiatry. Dr. Werchan completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso. She received a medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She completed a general psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. She was Chief Resident and awarded the VA Outstanding Resident Award and the Van Dao Award. Her training experience includes the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic and obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as psychotic disorders.
Dr. Isela Werchan is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in general psychiatry. Dr. Werchan completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso. She received a medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She completed a general psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. She was Chief Resident and awarded the VA Outstanding Resident Award and the Van Dao Award. Her training experience includes the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic and obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as psychotic disorders.
Our mental health cannot be neatly separated from our physical bodies or from the unique events that have shaped us as individuals. While psychiatric medications have helped millions of individuals find relief from chronic mental illness and reclaim control of their lives, almost anyone who has struggled with depression or anxiety knows that medications alone are rarely enough to achieve the balanced, fulfilling lives that they desire. The question then becomes, “What else can be done?”
Our mental health cannot be neatly separated from our physical bodies or from the unique events that have shaped us as individuals. While psychiatric medications have helped millions of individuals find relief from chronic mental illness and reclaim control of their lives, almost anyone who has struggled with depression or anxiety knows that medications alone are rarely enough to achieve the balanced, fulfilling lives that they desire. The question then becomes, “What else can be done?”
What drew me to become a physician assistant was to help my patients feel heard. I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients to develop a treatment plan that maximizes personal growth and health outcomes. My care philosophy takes a three-pronged approach; by combining therapy, non-pharmacological modalities, and medical management, I can help you feel more adjusted and capable to conquer life.
What drew me to become a physician assistant was to help my patients feel heard. I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients to develop a treatment plan that maximizes personal growth and health outcomes. My care philosophy takes a three-pronged approach; by combining therapy, non-pharmacological modalities, and medical management, I can help you feel more adjusted and capable to conquer life.
I believe all of us will be impacted by mental health at some point, be it personally or from those around us. Because psychiatric conditions are so ubiquitous, it requires individualized approaches. Together, we will find the correct blend of treatments for you to drive change in your life and better your future.
I believe all of us will be impacted by mental health at some point, be it personally or from those around us. Because psychiatric conditions are so ubiquitous, it requires individualized approaches. Together, we will find the correct blend of treatments for you to drive change in your life and better your future.
My ideal client is you! I believe in treating the person as a whole, and am in awe of the mind-body-connection. There are many tools we can utilize in the treatment of mental health conditions: medications, therapy, non-invasive treatments and focusing on your overall wellbeing. Together, we will navigate your mental health concerns and use evidence-based research to find the most effective treatments to get you feeling like your best self.
My ideal client is you! I believe in treating the person as a whole, and am in awe of the mind-body-connection. There are many tools we can utilize in the treatment of mental health conditions: medications, therapy, non-invasive treatments and focusing on your overall wellbeing. Together, we will navigate your mental health concerns and use evidence-based research to find the most effective treatments to get you feeling like your best self.
Isabell Webster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
Welcome to Luna Psychiatry, a fully remote private practice. Human connection is an important component to my philosophy for optimizing mental health. In addition to utilizing psycho-pharmaceuticals, I advocate for connectedness. I also understand that caring for our bodies and spiritual selves, can make a large difference to our mental well-being. I use a person-centered approach, and understand the vulnerability it takes for a patient to reach out for help. I believe in approaching mental health care with strategy, consistency and patience. I accept the following insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Optum, United Healthcare, and Oxford.
Welcome to Luna Psychiatry, a fully remote private practice. Human connection is an important component to my philosophy for optimizing mental health. In addition to utilizing psycho-pharmaceuticals, I advocate for connectedness. I also understand that caring for our bodies and spiritual selves, can make a large difference to our mental well-being. I use a person-centered approach, and understand the vulnerability it takes for a patient to reach out for help. I believe in approaching mental health care with strategy, consistency and patience. I accept the following insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Optum, United Healthcare, and Oxford.
Seeking mental health treatment in itself can be a challenging prospect for many people. I'm glad you are taking this step! I aim to help patients feels comfortable, safe and that they are in partnership with me to meet their goals. By working together, therapy can be a rewarding experience where patients come to understand themselves, relationships, and patterns of interacting in new ways to effect positive change. At times, medication is needed in conjunction with therapy to address acuity of symptoms and augment progress. In addition to individual and family therapy, I offer medication evaluation and management as needed.
Seeking mental health treatment in itself can be a challenging prospect for many people. I'm glad you are taking this step! I aim to help patients feels comfortable, safe and that they are in partnership with me to meet their goals. By working together, therapy can be a rewarding experience where patients come to understand themselves, relationships, and patterns of interacting in new ways to effect positive change. At times, medication is needed in conjunction with therapy to address acuity of symptoms and augment progress. In addition to individual and family therapy, I offer medication evaluation and management as needed.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in Texas! Do you have stress or anxiety? Do you feel sad or depressed and lack the motivation to participate in life anymore, or sometimes cry for no reason? Do you have problems focusing on school, work, or life and wonder why you are so forgetful, unable to concentrate and easily distracted? Were you exposed to traumatic events or loss that have left you anxious and on the edge, or do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night and feel exhausted the next day?is your child defiant and refusing to cooperate? I can help you find that right balance to continue living your life optimally.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in Texas! Do you have stress or anxiety? Do you feel sad or depressed and lack the motivation to participate in life anymore, or sometimes cry for no reason? Do you have problems focusing on school, work, or life and wonder why you are so forgetful, unable to concentrate and easily distracted? Were you exposed to traumatic events or loss that have left you anxious and on the edge, or do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night and feel exhausted the next day?is your child defiant and refusing to cooperate? I can help you find that right balance to continue living your life optimally.
15 Second Videos
Isela Werchan
Casey Coton
Jennifer Schaefer
Ronil Shah
Aaron Cummins
Fredric Matthew Johnson
Patients often enjoy working with me because of my patient-centered, collaborative, and informative approach to psychiatric assessment and treatment. I enjoy explaining and educating individuals on the origin of psychiatric symptoms and how various treatment options–psychiatric medications or neuromodulation–work and compare to one another.
Patients often enjoy working with me because of my patient-centered, collaborative, and informative approach to psychiatric assessment and treatment. I enjoy explaining and educating individuals on the origin of psychiatric symptoms and how various treatment options–psychiatric medications or neuromodulation–work and compare to one another.
Good Life Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of nursing experience. As a CPR instructor and mother, I bring both professional expertise and personal empathy to my practice. I have specialized in substance use disorder and have worked extensively with the mental health population. My passion lies in treating adolescents to adults, providing them with comprehensive and compassionate care.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of nursing experience. As a CPR instructor and mother, I bring both professional expertise and personal empathy to my practice. I have specialized in substance use disorder and have worked extensively with the mental health population. My passion lies in treating adolescents to adults, providing them with comprehensive and compassionate care.
Dr. Tirado is Board Certified in General and Addiction and Addiction Medicine. He is a recognized thought leader, innovator, mentor and clinical expert in addiction treatment and systems of care. Dr. Tirado spent the first half of his career in academia holding faculty appointments at University of Pennsylvania and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He subsequently has developed and implemented hospital, facility-based and outpatient addiction treatment services, outpatient chronic pain management and primary care for addiction programs. His consulting work concentrates on medication therapy and clinical trials, health plans, peer recovery support, expert witness and medical board review.
Dr. Tirado is Board Certified in General and Addiction and Addiction Medicine. He is a recognized thought leader, innovator, mentor and clinical expert in addiction treatment and systems of care. Dr. Tirado spent the first half of his career in academia holding faculty appointments at University of Pennsylvania and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He subsequently has developed and implemented hospital, facility-based and outpatient addiction treatment services, outpatient chronic pain management and primary care for addiction programs. His consulting work concentrates on medication therapy and clinical trials, health plans, peer recovery support, expert witness and medical board review.
Holistic Health and Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
Andrea Yoshiko Carter is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has experience treating adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, and bipolar disorder. Andrea has received training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and is certified in brainspotting.
Andrea Yoshiko Carter is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has experience treating adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, and bipolar disorder. Andrea has received training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and is certified in brainspotting.
Dr. Coton is board-eligible in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Coton attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his residency in general psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. Dr. Coton completed his Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with focus on addiction populations in drug court programs, neurorehabilitation, and counseling. He has contributed to research in addiction in various patient populations.
Dr. Coton is board-eligible in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Coton attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his residency in general psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. Dr. Coton completed his Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with focus on addiction populations in drug court programs, neurorehabilitation, and counseling. He has contributed to research in addiction in various patient populations.
Dr. Schaefer is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Schaefer graduated from medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed both her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship training at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, where she served as chief resident. She works to collaboratively target each patient’s treatment to their particular goals through a combination of medication management and individual or family therapy.
Dr. Schaefer is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Schaefer graduated from medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed both her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship training at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, where she served as chief resident. She works to collaboratively target each patient’s treatment to their particular goals through a combination of medication management and individual or family therapy.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me and my professional experience. My name is Aaron Cummins, and I am a PMHNP and LCSW. Working in psychiatry and behavioral health is an honor for me. I am dedicated to helping people meet their personal, relationship, academic and career health and wellness goals. I subscribe to an individualized and holistic approach to healthcare and recognize we all have personal preferences and beliefs that should be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Your stories, experiences, struggles and successes deserve to be seen, heard, and validated.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me and my professional experience. My name is Aaron Cummins, and I am a PMHNP and LCSW. Working in psychiatry and behavioral health is an honor for me. I am dedicated to helping people meet their personal, relationship, academic and career health and wellness goals. I subscribe to an individualized and holistic approach to healthcare and recognize we all have personal preferences and beliefs that should be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Your stories, experiences, struggles and successes deserve to be seen, heard, and validated.
Aloha Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
I partner with my clients to find the best treatment options for their situations. Having been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, I know the impact of mental health on the lives of not only our patients but also their families and loved ones. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in all lifespans for treating conditions related to mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, substance use, ADHD, and other behavioral health-related issues. I feel privileged to have the experience of working with diverse populations in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community settings.
I partner with my clients to find the best treatment options for their situations. Having been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, I know the impact of mental health on the lives of not only our patients but also their families and loved ones. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in all lifespans for treating conditions related to mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, substance use, ADHD, and other behavioral health-related issues. I feel privileged to have the experience of working with diverse populations in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community settings.
See more therapy options for 78705
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 78705
30+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 78705 who prioritize treating:
85% | Anxiety |
82% | Depression |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
64% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
79% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 78705 see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 78705?
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.