Psychiatrists in 89102

Photo of Kelli Gandy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Kelli Gandy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
You’re the go-to for everyone—your kids, your team, your group chat—but who’s checking in on you? If you're running on vibes and caffeine, feeling like your brain has 47 tabs open (and not one is loading), I got you. I specialize in helping high-functioning-but-exhausted adults—parents, professionals, caregivers—who are overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain over it. Whether you're battling burnout, navigating mood swings, or wondering if meds might actually help, I offer real, personalized mental health care that fits your life. Think less “fix me” and more “find me again.”
You’re the go-to for everyone—your kids, your team, your group chat—but who’s checking in on you? If you're running on vibes and caffeine, feeling like your brain has 47 tabs open (and not one is loading), I got you. I specialize in helping high-functioning-but-exhausted adults—parents, professionals, caregivers—who are overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain over it. Whether you're battling burnout, navigating mood swings, or wondering if meds might actually help, I offer real, personalized mental health care that fits your life. Think less “fix me” and more “find me again.”
(702) 425-5785 View (702) 425-5785
Photo of Lori Gonzales, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Lori Gonzales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
As a doctorate prepared board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Lori completed her doctorate in nursing practice at Walden University and her graduate degrees at both Purdue University and Texas Tech University. Due to being double board certified and working in both Internal medicine and Psychiatry, Lori is well rounded to provide care to a diverse population. She has a large amount of experience in testing and treating psychiatric disorders throughout the lifespan. I like an open communication style where the patient has their choice in the treatment being provided.
As a doctorate prepared board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Lori completed her doctorate in nursing practice at Walden University and her graduate degrees at both Purdue University and Texas Tech University. Due to being double board certified and working in both Internal medicine and Psychiatry, Lori is well rounded to provide care to a diverse population. She has a large amount of experience in testing and treating psychiatric disorders throughout the lifespan. I like an open communication style where the patient has their choice in the treatment being provided.
(725) 262-2812 View (725) 262-2812
Photo of Andrea Petty, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Andrea Petty
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
I truly believe that each patient is unique and has different needs; therefore, the services they receive should be tailored to each individual. I have always had a passion to help others, especially our veterans and the underserved. I believe in integrated health care by incorporating complementary therapies and treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
I truly believe that each patient is unique and has different needs; therefore, the services they receive should be tailored to each individual. I have always had a passion to help others, especially our veterans and the underserved. I believe in integrated health care by incorporating complementary therapies and treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
(702) 842-1239 View (702) 842-1239
Photo of Jacob Mearse, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Jacob Mearse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Hi there! My name is Dr. Jake Mearse. I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner practicing in Nevada. I take a "whole person care" approach to mental healthcare, recognizing that mind and body are deeply connected. I practice a very client-centered model of care. My no. 1 rule of healthcare is that no one knows you better than you do! What you need from me may be very different than someone else with the same diagnosis. By listening and truly getting to know you, I aim to provide care that best fits your individual needs.
Hi there! My name is Dr. Jake Mearse. I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner practicing in Nevada. I take a "whole person care" approach to mental healthcare, recognizing that mind and body are deeply connected. I practice a very client-centered model of care. My no. 1 rule of healthcare is that no one knows you better than you do! What you need from me may be very different than someone else with the same diagnosis. By listening and truly getting to know you, I aim to provide care that best fits your individual needs.
(725) 527-8807 View (725) 527-8807
Photo of Nanu Ogunyoku, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, , APRN
Nanu Ogunyoku
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, , APRN
Las Vegas, NV 89102
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.
(725) 485-9592 View (725) 485-9592
Photo of Chukwuemeka DeRoy Obilor, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Chukwuemeka DeRoy Obilor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
My name is DeRoy Obilor, and I am a passionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to providing individualized mental health care. My approach is founded on holistic and patient-centered concepts, resulting in a collaborative alliance that values trust and open communication. I specialize in treating ADHD, mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety and panic disorders, trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
My name is DeRoy Obilor, and I am a passionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to providing individualized mental health care. My approach is founded on holistic and patient-centered concepts, resulting in a collaborative alliance that values trust and open communication. I specialize in treating ADHD, mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety and panic disorders, trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
(725) 525-6331 View (725) 525-6331
Photo of Melanie Sharpley, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Melanie Sharpley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Hi! My name is Melanie Sharpley and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Serving under-represented patients in the Las Vegas area is my passion and improving mental health care access to all communities has always been my top priority. I prefer to use a more personable and humanistic approach to mental healthcare, taking into consideration the entire presentation of the patient.
Hi! My name is Melanie Sharpley and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Serving under-represented patients in the Las Vegas area is my passion and improving mental health care access to all communities has always been my top priority. I prefer to use a more personable and humanistic approach to mental healthcare, taking into consideration the entire presentation of the patient.
(725) 977-5974 View (725) 977-5974
Photo of Leah Gaitho, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Leah Gaitho
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Hi there, I’m Leah! For me, mental health is all about helping individuals get in touch with their true self. I have spent the past 4 years working as a provider to do just that. When I'm not practicing, I'm at home with my family and our dog-German shepherd, cooking, or just try to relax-meditation and or hiking. I enjoy quietness. My approach I set clear goals for myself and my clients and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach treatment with an eclectic assortment of approaches and tools to individualize our work together to meet your needs best.
Hi there, I’m Leah! For me, mental health is all about helping individuals get in touch with their true self. I have spent the past 4 years working as a provider to do just that. When I'm not practicing, I'm at home with my family and our dog-German shepherd, cooking, or just try to relax-meditation and or hiking. I enjoy quietness. My approach I set clear goals for myself and my clients and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach treatment with an eclectic assortment of approaches and tools to individualize our work together to meet your needs best.
(725) 712-8268 View (725) 712-8268
Photo of Christian Louis Domingo Coronel, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Christian Louis Domingo Coronel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
1 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Christian Coronel is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). He is able to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and more. He is passionate about helping others overcome the struggles and challenges they face regarding their mental health. He also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-pharmacological treatment option for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Christian Coronel is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). He is able to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and more. He is passionate about helping others overcome the struggles and challenges they face regarding their mental health. He also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-pharmacological treatment option for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
(702) 357-4503 View (702) 357-4503
Photo of Reza Goravanchi, Psychiatrist, MD
Reza Goravanchi
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Life is beautiful. Life is precious. Life is amazing. But life can also be stressful and tough. The trick is to learn how to face the hardships and accept them without allowing them to keep us down. I have found, that is where the struggle lies for most people. We all want to be happy and I try to help my patients achieve just that.
Life is beautiful. Life is precious. Life is amazing. But life can also be stressful and tough. The trick is to learn how to face the hardships and accept them without allowing them to keep us down. I have found, that is where the struggle lies for most people. We all want to be happy and I try to help my patients achieve just that.
(725) 208-5637 View (725) 208-5637
Photo of Dr. Cassandra Anderson-Monroe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, CCM
Dr. Cassandra Anderson-Monroe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, CCM
3 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
I am a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. My experience spans from my time as a RN to my role as an APRN, during which I have provided psychiatric and mental health services across diverse settings, including inpatient units, outpatient practices, transitional living facilities, and community mental health centers. I take pride in being a culturally sensitive "people person," and I approach each client with an open, non-judgmental attitude. I understand that, as humans, we all strive to live our best lives and become the best versions of ourselves.
I am a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. My experience spans from my time as a RN to my role as an APRN, during which I have provided psychiatric and mental health services across diverse settings, including inpatient units, outpatient practices, transitional living facilities, and community mental health centers. I take pride in being a culturally sensitive "people person," and I approach each client with an open, non-judgmental attitude. I understand that, as humans, we all strive to live our best lives and become the best versions of ourselves.
(702) 602-8667 View (702) 602-8667
Photo of Joshua Nelsen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Joshua Nelsen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Hello! My name is Joshua and I am a board certified nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry and mental health. I have been dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to my patients. My healthcare journey has been influenced by my experience in the US Navy and years of working as a licensed pharmacy technician. I transitioned into psychiatric nursing in 2019 as a Registered Nurse, and have been licensed as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since March 2022. I firmly believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.
Hello! My name is Joshua and I am a board certified nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry and mental health. I have been dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to my patients. My healthcare journey has been influenced by my experience in the US Navy and years of working as a licensed pharmacy technician. I transitioned into psychiatric nursing in 2019 as a Registered Nurse, and have been licensed as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since March 2022. I firmly believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.
(702) 903-3086 View (702) 903-3086
Photo of Chau Pham, Psychiatrist, DO, MPH
Chau Pham
Psychiatrist, DO, MPH
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. With extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions - including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other complex disorders - I take a holistic approach to mental health care. Committed to providing comprehensive treatment, I incorporate the bio-psycho-social model in developing personalized treatment plans. A firm believer in the importance of early intervention, I work to create lasting, positive impacts, particularly for younger patients, setting the foundation for a brighter, healthier future.
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. With extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions - including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other complex disorders - I take a holistic approach to mental health care. Committed to providing comprehensive treatment, I incorporate the bio-psycho-social model in developing personalized treatment plans. A firm believer in the importance of early intervention, I work to create lasting, positive impacts, particularly for younger patients, setting the foundation for a brighter, healthier future.
(725) 257-1537 View (725) 257-1537
Photo of Dithra Cotton-Lewis, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Dithra Cotton-Lewis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Providing the highest quality, compassionate health care to our clients, families, and others in need, facing challenges in there daily lifestyle.
Providing the highest quality, compassionate health care to our clients, families, and others in need, facing challenges in there daily lifestyle.
(702) 935-5106 View (702) 935-5106
Photo of Brenda Kimathi - Mind Matters PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Mind Matters PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Dive into a space where mental wellness is paramount and every story is cherished. At Mind Matters PLLC, your journey to health and understanding is our shared mission. Together, let’s chart a path to a brighter, more balanced tomorrow. Mind Matters PLLC was founded to enhance mental health access for Nevada's rural, urban, and underserved populations. Our compassionate team is a testament to excellence and advocacy in patient care. Committed to therapeutic communication and active listening, we wholeheartedly serve children to senior individuals.
Dive into a space where mental wellness is paramount and every story is cherished. At Mind Matters PLLC, your journey to health and understanding is our shared mission. Together, let’s chart a path to a brighter, more balanced tomorrow. Mind Matters PLLC was founded to enhance mental health access for Nevada's rural, urban, and underserved populations. Our compassionate team is a testament to excellence and advocacy in patient care. Committed to therapeutic communication and active listening, we wholeheartedly serve children to senior individuals.
(725) 765-2353 View (725) 765-2353
Photo of Nkechi Nduka, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Nkechi Nduka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! I'm Nkechi Nduka, and I'm thrilled to announce that I have new openings for clients at delightful minds health. I accept most major insurance providers, including Cigna, Aetna, and others. Currently, I am taking new patients. Nkechi has over 17 years combined experience as a Registered nurse and a Psychiatric nurse Practitioner.
Hello! I'm Nkechi Nduka, and I'm thrilled to announce that I have new openings for clients at delightful minds health. I accept most major insurance providers, including Cigna, Aetna, and others. Currently, I am taking new patients. Nkechi has over 17 years combined experience as a Registered nurse and a Psychiatric nurse Practitioner.
(725) 525-3646 View (725) 525-3646
Photo of Ann Marie Mallory, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Ann Marie Mallory
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
3 Endorsed
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Tired of waiting weeks or months to see a psychiatric provider? I offer appointments within 1–2 weeks, with evening and weekend times to fit your schedule. I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience, I combine thoughtful medication management with care that’s truly personalized. You don’t have to do this alone!
Tired of waiting weeks or months to see a psychiatric provider? I offer appointments within 1–2 weeks, with evening and weekend times to fit your schedule. I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience, I combine thoughtful medication management with care that’s truly personalized. You don’t have to do this alone!
(725) 208-5140 View (725) 208-5140
Photo of Maria Delia Fortunato, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, MSN, PMHNP
Maria Delia Fortunato
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, MSN, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. I provide comprehensive, personalized care that integrates medication management, therapeutic strategies, and holistic approaches to healing. I believe in a collaborative process where your voice, experiences, and goals guide our work together. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or stress-related challenges, I’m here to create a safe, supportive space where you can heal and grow.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. I provide comprehensive, personalized care that integrates medication management, therapeutic strategies, and holistic approaches to healing. I believe in a collaborative process where your voice, experiences, and goals guide our work together. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or stress-related challenges, I’m here to create a safe, supportive space where you can heal and grow.
(310) 807-6176 View (310) 807-6176
Photo of Rita Perez, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Rita Perez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
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.
(725) 278-4423 View (725) 278-4423
Photo of Dr. Vincent Ekstrom, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Dr. Vincent Ekstrom
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Online Only
Visit us at matrixmh. com. Matrix Mental Health was created with the desire to deliver measurable changes in the quality of psychiatric and mental healthcare for those who need it. We strive to display our values through actions, not words. We make treatment recommendations as if you were part of our family. We are driven by meaning and purpose. Our fundamental goal is to reduce the amount of unnecessary suffering in life.
Visit us at matrixmh. com. Matrix Mental Health was created with the desire to deliver measurable changes in the quality of psychiatric and mental healthcare for those who need it. We strive to display our values through actions, not words. We make treatment recommendations as if you were part of our family. We are driven by meaning and purpose. Our fundamental goal is to reduce the amount of unnecessary suffering in life.
(602) 830-8400 View (602) 830-8400

See more therapy options for 89102

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 89102

30+

Average cost per session

$200

Psychiatrists in 89102 who prioritize treating:

97% Depression
94% Anxiety
94% Bipolar Disorder
82% Trauma and PTSD
79% ADHD
79% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
70% Medication Management

Average years in practice

7 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

88% Cigna and Evernorth
84% Aetna
75% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Psychiatrists in 89102 see their clients

52% In Person and Online
48% Online Only

Gender breakdown

69% Female
31% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 89102?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.