Psychiatrists in 90048

I was born in Colombia and the passion for psychiatry has driven my life. I went to medical school in Bogota- Colombia, following my interest in Transcultural Psychiatry worked for the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and assisted to McGill University in Montreal. I completed residency in general psychiatry in the University of Virginia, while collaborating with the International Rescue Committee as mental health provider. I have centered my practice in the development of interventions congruent with people's environment and advocating for parity in the delivery and access to services.
I was born in Colombia and the passion for psychiatry has driven my life. I went to medical school in Bogota- Colombia, following my interest in Transcultural Psychiatry worked for the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and assisted to McGill University in Montreal. I completed residency in general psychiatry in the University of Virginia, while collaborating with the International Rescue Committee as mental health provider. I have centered my practice in the development of interventions congruent with people's environment and advocating for parity in the delivery and access to services.

I am a dedicated and experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a rich educational background and a focus on psychiatry and neurology research. My research centers on traumatic brain injury, specifically the investigation of biomarkers predictive of post-concussion symptoms and mental health sequelae such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. Additionally, I aim to expand research on biomarkers and predictive outcomes for females, a uniquely vulnerable and underrepresented group in concussion research. Further, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy.
I am a dedicated and experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a rich educational background and a focus on psychiatry and neurology research. My research centers on traumatic brain injury, specifically the investigation of biomarkers predictive of post-concussion symptoms and mental health sequelae such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. Additionally, I aim to expand research on biomarkers and predictive outcomes for females, a uniquely vulnerable and underrepresented group in concussion research. Further, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy.

My top priority is the well being of my patients and their families and I pride myself in providing the absolute highest quality of psychiatric care to my patients. My practice is focused on treating children, adolescents and young adults with mood, anxiety and behavioral disorders, as well as addiction. One of my areas of specialty is ADHD for which I have had specialized training. I am currently a staff physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was previously Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Pediatrics at USC and an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
My top priority is the well being of my patients and their families and I pride myself in providing the absolute highest quality of psychiatric care to my patients. My practice is focused on treating children, adolescents and young adults with mood, anxiety and behavioral disorders, as well as addiction. One of my areas of specialty is ADHD for which I have had specialized training. I am currently a staff physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was previously Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Pediatrics at USC and an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

I believe that your mental health treatment should be as unique and individualized as you are. We are far more than just a group of symptoms that make up diagnoses, only to be treated with a generic list of medications. In my practice, I aim to incorporate evidence-based treatments while also considering the different factors that impact your mental health while working in collaboration with you. I limit my caseload to optimize availability for my established patients along with providing flexibility in scheduling and appointment times.
I believe that your mental health treatment should be as unique and individualized as you are. We are far more than just a group of symptoms that make up diagnoses, only to be treated with a generic list of medications. In my practice, I aim to incorporate evidence-based treatments while also considering the different factors that impact your mental health while working in collaboration with you. I limit my caseload to optimize availability for my established patients along with providing flexibility in scheduling and appointment times.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult and geriatric psychiatry. I believe in taking a holistic approach to addressing mental health. In addition to my expertise in the use of medications, I have extensive training in multiple types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented modalities. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, dementia-related concerns, and end-of-life issues.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult and geriatric psychiatry. I believe in taking a holistic approach to addressing mental health. In addition to my expertise in the use of medications, I have extensive training in multiple types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented modalities. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, dementia-related concerns, and end-of-life issues.

Dr. Wang was born and raised in Los Angeles. She finished her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Literature and graduated with a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. During medical school, Dr. Wang worked with the Ministry of Health in Peru looking at adolescent attitudes towards substance abuse. The following year, the American Psychiatric Association awarded her funding for smoking cessation research at Langley Porter, UCSF.
Dr. Wang was born and raised in Los Angeles. She finished her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Literature and graduated with a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. During medical school, Dr. Wang worked with the Ministry of Health in Peru looking at adolescent attitudes towards substance abuse. The following year, the American Psychiatric Association awarded her funding for smoking cessation research at Langley Porter, UCSF.

Let's work together to help you reach your goals. Whether you or your child desire to emerge from the depths of persistent sadness, stabilize your highs and lows, diminish the impact of voices, visions and paranoid thinking, or reduce chronic worry and fear, we'll devise a plan to improve your state of mind. If you or your child have trouble paying attention in school, struggle with social interactions or making friends, display behavioral problems including tantrums and physical aggression or suffer low mood or chronic worry, request an evaluation to begin the treatment process.
Let's work together to help you reach your goals. Whether you or your child desire to emerge from the depths of persistent sadness, stabilize your highs and lows, diminish the impact of voices, visions and paranoid thinking, or reduce chronic worry and fear, we'll devise a plan to improve your state of mind. If you or your child have trouble paying attention in school, struggle with social interactions or making friends, display behavioral problems including tantrums and physical aggression or suffer low mood or chronic worry, request an evaluation to begin the treatment process.

My first commitment to you is that I will do my best to listen and to understand you. My professional and moral duty is to alleviate suffering, and I promise to do my best to help improve your quality of life. We will reach this goal by thoroughly discussing your needs. Together, we will collaborate to devise a comprehensive treatment approach. I am board certified in psychiatry and treat a wide variety of conditions. I most recently worked at a state psychiatric hospital before moving to private practice.
My first commitment to you is that I will do my best to listen and to understand you. My professional and moral duty is to alleviate suffering, and I promise to do my best to help improve your quality of life. We will reach this goal by thoroughly discussing your needs. Together, we will collaborate to devise a comprehensive treatment approach. I am board certified in psychiatry and treat a wide variety of conditions. I most recently worked at a state psychiatric hospital before moving to private practice.

I am a seasoned practitioner who offers comprehensive psychiatric services for young, middle aged, and older adults. Trained in Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychopharmacology, I use a range of approaches as they are needed in helping adults who are experiencing emotional or mental difficulties.
I am a seasoned practitioner who offers comprehensive psychiatric services for young, middle aged, and older adults. Trained in Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychopharmacology, I use a range of approaches as they are needed in helping adults who are experiencing emotional or mental difficulties.

Our therapeutic partnership sets the tone for treatment and is optimized with open communication and ongoing collaboration. Provider is accepting new patients for medication management only and does not provide stand-alone therapy services at this time many of the patients I encounter are suffering emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Our treatment goals are always to improve conflicts with oneself and others. During treatment we delve into problematic thought patterns that present with anxiety, depression, pain, and addiction, founded in some form of trauma.
Our therapeutic partnership sets the tone for treatment and is optimized with open communication and ongoing collaboration. Provider is accepting new patients for medication management only and does not provide stand-alone therapy services at this time many of the patients I encounter are suffering emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Our treatment goals are always to improve conflicts with oneself and others. During treatment we delve into problematic thought patterns that present with anxiety, depression, pain, and addiction, founded in some form of trauma.

Through a thorough understanding of the patient in the beginning, present, along with future hopes, treatment goals and targets can be identified. With my patients I will mainly focus on medication management and psychotherapy. I am comfortable treating a broad spectrum of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. I am board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I received my B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut.
Through a thorough understanding of the patient in the beginning, present, along with future hopes, treatment goals and targets can be identified. With my patients I will mainly focus on medication management and psychotherapy. I am comfortable treating a broad spectrum of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. I am board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I received my B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Dr. Lempa is an adult psychiatrist who believes in collaborative treatment with a focus on increased functionality and individual outcomes. Dr. Lempa provides a thorough assessment utilizing a biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual formulation. He formulates an individualized treatment plan consisting of nutrition, exercise, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. He looks forward to helping you overcome your current mental health burdens and helping you live a fulfilled, balanced and successful life
Dr. Lempa is an adult psychiatrist who believes in collaborative treatment with a focus on increased functionality and individual outcomes. Dr. Lempa provides a thorough assessment utilizing a biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual formulation. He formulates an individualized treatment plan consisting of nutrition, exercise, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. He looks forward to helping you overcome your current mental health burdens and helping you live a fulfilled, balanced and successful life

Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. He treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders as well as disorders of sleep, attention and focus. Dr. Goldberg specializes in marital therapy and marital interventions as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. His further interests include spirituality and the unique mental health concerns of religious and spiritual communities.
Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. He treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders as well as disorders of sleep, attention and focus. Dr. Goldberg specializes in marital therapy and marital interventions as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. His further interests include spirituality and the unique mental health concerns of religious and spiritual communities.

Your mental health needs all addressed in one place. PSYCHOTHERAPY - to help with the important issues in your life. Medication - just for those times when the therapy we are doing together is not enough. Harvard educated and trained in both psychotherapy and medication management, I understand the advantages of each and am able to combine them in a treatment plan that best suits you.
Your mental health needs all addressed in one place. PSYCHOTHERAPY - to help with the important issues in your life. Medication - just for those times when the therapy we are doing together is not enough. Harvard educated and trained in both psychotherapy and medication management, I understand the advantages of each and am able to combine them in a treatment plan that best suits you.

My practice includes medication management of adults ages 18 and over. I have specialty training and research in college and student athlete mental health. I have a particular interest in working with young adults to build a healthy foundation to achieve their goals. In addition to medication management, my approach to mental health care involves addressing overall health and well-being, including eating habits, exercise, sleep-hygiene, cultivating healthy relationships, and finding meaning in our day to day life.
My practice includes medication management of adults ages 18 and over. I have specialty training and research in college and student athlete mental health. I have a particular interest in working with young adults to build a healthy foundation to achieve their goals. In addition to medication management, my approach to mental health care involves addressing overall health and well-being, including eating habits, exercise, sleep-hygiene, cultivating healthy relationships, and finding meaning in our day to day life.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist as well as a psycho-oncologist who treats adults of all ages. My focus is on helping clients find and manifest meaning in their lives, transform potential into reality, and become the best version of their selves. My approach is to apply principles of neuroscience, psychology, meditation and mindfulness, stress management, nutrition, exercise, and pharmacology, to not only alleviate suffering but ultimately to promote thriving. I earned my medical degree at the Catholic University of Guayaquil.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist as well as a psycho-oncologist who treats adults of all ages. My focus is on helping clients find and manifest meaning in their lives, transform potential into reality, and become the best version of their selves. My approach is to apply principles of neuroscience, psychology, meditation and mindfulness, stress management, nutrition, exercise, and pharmacology, to not only alleviate suffering but ultimately to promote thriving. I earned my medical degree at the Catholic University of Guayaquil.

Dr. Rajan Bahl is a compassionate and skilled psychiatrist who offers support to individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Dr. Bahl provides expert care to children, adolescents, and adults dealing with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. He is committed to helping clients build resilience, improve their mental well-being, and navigate the complexities of life s challenges.
Dr. Bahl is particularly passionate about supporting patients through midlife transitions, helping them manage the emotional and psychological changes that come with these pivotal life moments.
Dr. Rajan Bahl is a compassionate and skilled psychiatrist who offers support to individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Dr. Bahl provides expert care to children, adolescents, and adults dealing with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. He is committed to helping clients build resilience, improve their mental well-being, and navigate the complexities of life s challenges.
Dr. Bahl is particularly passionate about supporting patients through midlife transitions, helping them manage the emotional and psychological changes that come with these pivotal life moments.

I am a board certified psychiatrist and my practice includes the treatment of adults and adolescents ages 16 and older. Having received specialty training in Women's Mental Health, I am experienced with mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Mental health and psychiatric symptoms are complex, and affected both by brain chemistry and environmental factors. I listen closely to understand the details of a patient's life in order to determine the best course of treatment. When medication is indicated, I strive to develop safe and effective regimens with my patients.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and my practice includes the treatment of adults and adolescents ages 16 and older. Having received specialty training in Women's Mental Health, I am experienced with mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Mental health and psychiatric symptoms are complex, and affected both by brain chemistry and environmental factors. I listen closely to understand the details of a patient's life in order to determine the best course of treatment. When medication is indicated, I strive to develop safe and effective regimens with my patients.

Dr. Lee is a psychiatrist specializing in general adult and geriatric psychiatry. She has worked with patients from diverse backgrounds in various settings including academic institutions, city/county hospitals, and the Veterans Administration Hospital. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After working as a research fellow at UCLA for a year, she completed psychiatry residency training at New York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, where she received the Dirk Berger Award for Scholarly Activities in 2017 and 2019. She completed fellowship training in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Dr. Lee is a psychiatrist specializing in general adult and geriatric psychiatry. She has worked with patients from diverse backgrounds in various settings including academic institutions, city/county hospitals, and the Veterans Administration Hospital. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After working as a research fellow at UCLA for a year, she completed psychiatry residency training at New York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, where she received the Dirk Berger Award for Scholarly Activities in 2017 and 2019. She completed fellowship training in Geriatric Psychiatry.

Dr. Kalira earned her Medical Degree through West Virginia University and completed her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins University. After completing a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship at New York University (NYU), she supported hospitalized patients at NYU-Tisch Hospital as a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. Dr. Kalira then transitioned to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), where she continues to bolster her understanding of the treatment of trauma. Dr. Kalira is the Medical Director for Addiction Recovery Treatment Services at the VA Northern California Health Care System, one of the largest VAs in the country.
Dr. Kalira earned her Medical Degree through West Virginia University and completed her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins University. After completing a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship at New York University (NYU), she supported hospitalized patients at NYU-Tisch Hospital as a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. Dr. Kalira then transitioned to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), where she continues to bolster her understanding of the treatment of trauma. Dr. Kalira is the Medical Director for Addiction Recovery Treatment Services at the VA Northern California Health Care System, one of the largest VAs in the country.
See more therapy options for 90048
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 90048
70+
Average cost per session
$347
Psychiatrists in 90048 who prioritize treating:
88% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
68% | Bipolar Disorder |
64% | Medication Management |
63% | ADHD |
63% | Trauma and PTSD |
46% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
98% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 90048 see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
56% | Female | |
44% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 90048?
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.