Psychiatrists in 89012

Catherine D. Nicholson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA-C, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! Welcome to Zenful Minds! I'm Catherine (Cathy),a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise with individuals across the lifespan, ages 5 to 99. With advanced degrees in both Nursing and Counseling (Trauma Crisis & PTSD), my practice integrates evidence-based psychiatric care with person-centered approach.
I believe in fostering compassionate, collaborative partnerships with my clients. My approach is holistic-blending traditional psychiatric interventions with mindfulness practices & lifestyle adjustments to promote overall well-being.
Hello! Welcome to Zenful Minds! I'm Catherine (Cathy),a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise with individuals across the lifespan, ages 5 to 99. With advanced degrees in both Nursing and Counseling (Trauma Crisis & PTSD), my practice integrates evidence-based psychiatric care with person-centered approach.
I believe in fostering compassionate, collaborative partnerships with my clients. My approach is holistic-blending traditional psychiatric interventions with mindfulness practices & lifestyle adjustments to promote overall well-being.

Dr. Galerkin is a board certified psychiatrist proudly serving the mental health community for over 29 years. His compassionate demeanor and medical expertise create a trusting environment for patients to discuss both their challenges and successes on their journey to mental wellness.
Dr. Galerkin is a board certified psychiatrist proudly serving the mental health community for over 29 years. His compassionate demeanor and medical expertise create a trusting environment for patients to discuss both their challenges and successes on their journey to mental wellness.

Currently ACCEPTing NEW patients: (make an appointment on the website - www.telemyvisit.com.) Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health to reach overall well-being. Many people suffer from depression or other mental health problems that affect their lives, and yet they often struggle to reach out for help. Mental health conditions are common, and you are not alone in this. Whether you know that you live with a long-term mental illness or you are not sure what's causing your symptoms, I can help you find hope.
Currently ACCEPTing NEW patients: (make an appointment on the website - www.telemyvisit.com.) Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health to reach overall well-being. Many people suffer from depression or other mental health problems that affect their lives, and yet they often struggle to reach out for help. Mental health conditions are common, and you are not alone in this. Whether you know that you live with a long-term mental illness or you are not sure what's causing your symptoms, I can help you find hope.

Progressive Psychiatric Services
Psychiatrist, MD, PA-C, PMHNP, LCSW, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We are a leading psychiatric clinic that is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate mental health care to our patients. Our clinic is dedicated to improving the lives of our patients through evidence-based treatments and therapies, cutting-edge research, and personalized care. At Progressive Psychiatric Services, we understand that mental health conditions can be complex and often require individualized treatment plans. That's why we offer a range of services, including medication management, therapy, Suboxone/Buprenorphine/Subutex, and innovative treatments such as Esketamine (Spravato ; nasal spray). We proudly serve our Veterans.
We are a leading psychiatric clinic that is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate mental health care to our patients. Our clinic is dedicated to improving the lives of our patients through evidence-based treatments and therapies, cutting-edge research, and personalized care. At Progressive Psychiatric Services, we understand that mental health conditions can be complex and often require individualized treatment plans. That's why we offer a range of services, including medication management, therapy, Suboxone/Buprenorphine/Subutex, and innovative treatments such as Esketamine (Spravato ; nasal spray). We proudly serve our Veterans.

Michelle Giddings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN-BC, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in treating clients with medical/mental health disorders. I utilize a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical/nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for child, adolescent, and adults. My approach to treatment is driven by my belief that every client is a unique individual; thus, treatment plans are specifically developed for each client.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in treating clients with medical/mental health disorders. I utilize a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical/nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for child, adolescent, and adults. My approach to treatment is driven by my belief that every client is a unique individual; thus, treatment plans are specifically developed for each client.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and I specialize in managing the mental health needs of patients aged 6 and up. Over the years, I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health managing the emotional and mental health needs of a variety of patients. I had the privilege of managing the mental health needs of our veterans at the Las Vegas VA Hospital for about a decade. In my transition to private practice, I provide care for children, teens as well as adults in outpatient services at Meadows Psychiatry.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and I specialize in managing the mental health needs of patients aged 6 and up. Over the years, I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health managing the emotional and mental health needs of a variety of patients. I had the privilege of managing the mental health needs of our veterans at the Las Vegas VA Hospital for about a decade. In my transition to private practice, I provide care for children, teens as well as adults in outpatient services at Meadows Psychiatry.

I have been in practice for over sixteen years treating Child, Adolescents and Adult in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. Being Board Certified in both Child and Adolescents and General Psychiatry allows for me to have deeper understanding of where we come shapes who we are. Every experience a person has matters and each individual needs to be appreciated from their perspective to help them reach the goals they set for themselves.
I have been in practice for over sixteen years treating Child, Adolescents and Adult in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. Being Board Certified in both Child and Adolescents and General Psychiatry allows for me to have deeper understanding of where we come shapes who we are. Every experience a person has matters and each individual needs to be appreciated from their perspective to help them reach the goals they set for themselves.

Shahrnaz Mashkoor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Have you been afflicted with anxiety, depression, and mood swings for as long as you can remember? Do you forget what it feels like to be normal? Do you no longer find joy in anything you do? Do you feel alone and isolated? Are you a busy professional running on an empty tank? Do you have parenting guilt because of your mental health? It does not have to be this way. You do not need to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs just to survive. There is a better way. There is a scientific way. It works and has worked for so many of my patients. If you are ready to reconnect with the real you and with life, we are a good match.
Have you been afflicted with anxiety, depression, and mood swings for as long as you can remember? Do you forget what it feels like to be normal? Do you no longer find joy in anything you do? Do you feel alone and isolated? Are you a busy professional running on an empty tank? Do you have parenting guilt because of your mental health? It does not have to be this way. You do not need to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs just to survive. There is a better way. There is a scientific way. It works and has worked for so many of my patients. If you are ready to reconnect with the real you and with life, we are a good match.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions or feeling stuck ? I can offer you a safe place to talk. I love helping people, and I am dedicated to helping you find peace, healing, and freedom from your psychic and emotional suffering. Our confidential sessions offer loving understanding and hope. Let’s talk about what’s going on. It will ease this pain you feel, and help you navigate the challenges in your life. You don’t have to face this time alone—support is just a call away.
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions or feeling stuck ? I can offer you a safe place to talk. I love helping people, and I am dedicated to helping you find peace, healing, and freedom from your psychic and emotional suffering. Our confidential sessions offer loving understanding and hope. Let’s talk about what’s going on. It will ease this pain you feel, and help you navigate the challenges in your life. You don’t have to face this time alone—support is just a call away.

Innovative Health Practice Center, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am currently accepting new patients! Although I am not currently offering controlled substances, I assist individuals in dealing with anxiety and depression by addressing specific mental health needs through coaching, counseling, psychoeducation, medication management, and other psychotherapeutic interventions. Maintaining a person-centered focus and approach to help others reach their mental health goals allows me to provide treatment in a safe, effective manner using evidence-based practice tools.
I am currently accepting new patients! Although I am not currently offering controlled substances, I assist individuals in dealing with anxiety and depression by addressing specific mental health needs through coaching, counseling, psychoeducation, medication management, and other psychotherapeutic interventions. Maintaining a person-centered focus and approach to help others reach their mental health goals allows me to provide treatment in a safe, effective manner using evidence-based practice tools.

Dr. Nicole Gregorio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89117
Are you feeling overwhelmed by non-stop worry, racing thoughts, and an overpowering sense of unease? Is anxiety impacting your daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or engage in activities you once enjoyed? If the weight of anxiety is bearing down on you, know that you're not alone. Are you experiencing a persistent low mood, a loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and making every day a bit more challenging? Perhaps you're carrying the weight of past experience. Do you feel haunted by memories that affect your present?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by non-stop worry, racing thoughts, and an overpowering sense of unease? Is anxiety impacting your daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or engage in activities you once enjoyed? If the weight of anxiety is bearing down on you, know that you're not alone. Are you experiencing a persistent low mood, a loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and making every day a bit more challenging? Perhaps you're carrying the weight of past experience. Do you feel haunted by memories that affect your present?

Carri Campbell-Nasby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You are not alone in your struggles to overcome your feelings of depression, anxiety and irritability. With supportive and compassionate care, let's work together to explore solutions that can help lead you to healthier functioning, a healthier mind, and happier living.
You are not alone in your struggles to overcome your feelings of depression, anxiety and irritability. With supportive and compassionate care, let's work together to explore solutions that can help lead you to healthier functioning, a healthier mind, and happier living.

Dr. Edwin Raffi is a board-certified psychiatrist with over a decade of experience. Dr. Raffi provides care for all adults and for all ailments including, but not limited to mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, OCD, ADD, PTSD, schizophrenia or other disorders with psychosis, substance use disorders, tic disorders, etc. In addition to general adult psychiatry, Dr. Raffi is recognized as a leading psychiatrist subspecialized in Women’s Mental Health, including issues related to menstrual cycle related mood and anxiety disorders (PMS, PMDD), pregnancy and postpartum, menopause related mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Edwin Raffi is a board-certified psychiatrist with over a decade of experience. Dr. Raffi provides care for all adults and for all ailments including, but not limited to mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, OCD, ADD, PTSD, schizophrenia or other disorders with psychosis, substance use disorders, tic disorders, etc. In addition to general adult psychiatry, Dr. Raffi is recognized as a leading psychiatrist subspecialized in Women’s Mental Health, including issues related to menstrual cycle related mood and anxiety disorders (PMS, PMDD), pregnancy and postpartum, menopause related mood and anxiety disorders.

My name is Rita Perez; I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) currently serving patients in Nevada via telehealth. I work with patients ages 12 and up, and my focus is on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder. My approach is comprehensive, focusing on each individual as a whole person: mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As a psychiatric provider, I aim to help individuals work through the complexities of their emotions and life’s challenges.
My name is Rita Perez; I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) currently serving patients in Nevada via telehealth. I work with patients ages 12 and up, and my focus is on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder. My approach is comprehensive, focusing on each individual as a whole person: mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As a psychiatric provider, I aim to help individuals work through the complexities of their emotions and life’s challenges.

“The choice to seek help for a mental health condition can be a difficult one. Depression and other mental health conditions can be very painful, confusing, and isolating, making it hard for people to recognize that they may be experiencing an illness. Patients often come to see us in a time of crisis, sometimes after years of suffering without treatment or trying multiple therapies with little success. No matter where you are along your path, we’re here to help. Hablamos Espanol. No sufra mas.
“The choice to seek help for a mental health condition can be a difficult one. Depression and other mental health conditions can be very painful, confusing, and isolating, making it hard for people to recognize that they may be experiencing an illness. Patients often come to see us in a time of crisis, sometimes after years of suffering without treatment or trying multiple therapies with little success. No matter where you are along your path, we’re here to help. Hablamos Espanol. No sufra mas.

I am a Board Certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in working with individuals aged 6 and up who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, PTSD, and trauma. My approach is rooted in holistic care, ensuring a non-judgmental and supportive environment for every patient.
I am a Board Certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in working with individuals aged 6 and up who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, PTSD, and trauma. My approach is rooted in holistic care, ensuring a non-judgmental and supportive environment for every patient.

We haven’t met yet, but when we do, please trust that you are in good hands. It is my absolute pleasure to assist in your care. Whether you are new to mental health or you’ve been working on improving yourself for a while, it is my mission to help you achieve mental clarity, inner peace, and overall happiness. Although my training is in general psychiatry, addiction recovery, and psychotherapy, our work together will cover all aspects of your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.
We haven’t met yet, but when we do, please trust that you are in good hands. It is my absolute pleasure to assist in your care. Whether you are new to mental health or you’ve been working on improving yourself for a while, it is my mission to help you achieve mental clarity, inner peace, and overall happiness. Although my training is in general psychiatry, addiction recovery, and psychotherapy, our work together will cover all aspects of your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

Dr. Martin Binyange
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Here at Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Center, our mission is to work with you to help provide a better physical, emotional, and mental health for good quality of life in you, your family, and community. Together we can commence on that journey. We are a Psychiatric and Counseling office that provides evidenced based diagnosis and treatment for a diversity of mental health illnesses. We provide comprehensive diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy/counseling. Addiction and substance abuse treatment are also available. Your well being is our main priority.
Here at Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Center, our mission is to work with you to help provide a better physical, emotional, and mental health for good quality of life in you, your family, and community. Together we can commence on that journey. We are a Psychiatric and Counseling office that provides evidenced based diagnosis and treatment for a diversity of mental health illnesses. We provide comprehensive diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy/counseling. Addiction and substance abuse treatment are also available. Your well being is our main priority.

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in helping individuals manage and overcome challenges related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. I provide a range of services, including comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to gain a deep understanding of your mental health needs, medication management to optimize your treatment, and brief psychotherapy to address emotional and behavioral concerns. My approach is holistic and tailored to each person, ensuring that your care plan aligns with your specific goals and circumstances.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in helping individuals manage and overcome challenges related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. I provide a range of services, including comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to gain a deep understanding of your mental health needs, medication management to optimize your treatment, and brief psychotherapy to address emotional and behavioral concerns. My approach is holistic and tailored to each person, ensuring that your care plan aligns with your specific goals and circumstances.

Dr. Shreesh Prasad is a child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in psychiatry. Dr. Prasad specializes in medication management for the full range of mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and OCD, but especially enjoys working with patients with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder as well as those who suffer from trauma-related disorders. Dr. Prasad takes a holistic, multidisciplinary, and strengths-based approach to the patients in his care.
Dr. Shreesh Prasad is a child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in psychiatry. Dr. Prasad specializes in medication management for the full range of mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and OCD, but especially enjoys working with patients with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder as well as those who suffer from trauma-related disorders. Dr. Prasad takes a holistic, multidisciplinary, and strengths-based approach to the patients in his care.
See more therapy options for 89012
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 89012
< 10
Psychiatrists in 89012 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
88% | ADHD |
88% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 89012 see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
16% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 89012?
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.